The Diary of Elizabeth Meadville Farrell Hall
Dell Rapids, Minnehaha Co., Dakota Territory
January 1, 1883 to January 7, 1884
Copyright 1999 by Ginger E. France
Transcribed and edited by Ginger E. France, September,
1999
Foreword
Elizabeth (Meadville) McConnell Farrell Hall was my
Great-great-great Grandmother. She was born July 8, 1828 in Pennsylvania,
the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Meadville. Elizabeth Meadville married
Alexander McConnell on January 3, 1850 in Huntington Co., PA. This union
produced five children:
James A. McConnell born Oct. 12, 1850 in LeClaire, IA. He
died in 1935 in St. Louis, MO. James was a fireman on riverboats and
served first on VanSant craft. Later he was a stationary engineer in St.
Louis. He never married.
Peter M. McConnell and his twin Joshua B. McConnell were
born Aug. 23, 1854 at LeClaire, IA. Joshua died Sept. 20, 1855. Peter died
Aug. 25, 1934 in Scott Co., IA. Peter worked on the riverboats most of his
life. He never married.
Adie Bell McConnell was born June 22, 1857 in LeClaire, IA.
He died on July 27, 1948 in LeClaire, Iowa. Adie Bell was also known as
"Ed". He was a farmer and lived in Casey and LeClaire, Iowa. He was my
Great-great- Grandfather. He married Rachael Ellis McCoy (who was known as
"Ella") on Dec. 30, 1885 in Princeton, IA. They had four children, Wilbur
A., Carrie Margaret, Herbert A., and Adabelle Ruth. Adie Bell and Rachael
also raised Russell Hobart Saur (my grandfather) after his parents, Henry
and Carrie (McConnell) Saur, died in the Spanish Influenza in 1918.
Joyce Ella McConnell was born Sept. 22, 1860 in LeClaire, IA
and died in 1941. She was known as "Ella" and is mentioned several times
in this diary. "Ella" married Thomas McCoy (brother of Rachael Ellis
McCoy) on March 2, 1893 in Clinton, IA. They had two daughters, Vera and
Dorothy.
Alexander McConnell died Feb. 17, 1863 at "Camp Bliss" in
Rolla, MO. while serving in the Civil War. All of Alexander and
Elizabeth’s surviving children were put in the Soldier’s Orphans Home in
Davenport, IA. Adie Bell McConnell would not stay there and was raised by
Wesley and Margaret Vanduzer.
Elizabeth McConnell married John Farrell on Jan. 23, 1870.
John Farrell died on Feb. 15, 1871.
Elizabeth McConnell Farrell married W.B. (Squire) Hall on
June 4, 1872 in LeClaire, IA. They moved to Dell Rapids, Dakota Territory
(now South Dakota) in March of 1882.
Elizabeth McConnell Farrell Hall died on Nov. 8, 1894 near
Casey, IA. She was living with her son Adie Bell McConnell. She is buried
at Menlo Cemetery, Menlo, IA.
I copied this diary as she wrote it. I’ve only added
punctuation in places for clarity to the reader. I have question marks
behind words I couldn’t read well enough to spell correctly. If anyone has
information to share about persons mentioned in this diary please contact
me.
I would like to thank Grandmother Hall for writing her
diary. I would like to have known her. I would also like to give a big
"thank you" to Mr. Thomas M. Burlingame who passed down the diary to me.
Mrs. Ginger E. (Saur) France
1016 Calvin
St.
Davenport, Iowa 52804-4245
The inscription reads: Mrs. Hall, my
dear friend, this is a token of love from a friend. Mrs. W.H. Eason
Curtain
January 1883
January 1, 1883 Monday
Happy New Year. We have begun a nother New Year and who
knows what there I sin store for me. Let it be life or death bitter or
sweet. The Lords will be done in all things. Have spent a pleasant day
with my friends. Mr. & Mrs. Eason and baby. One year ago we was eating
Turkey at Mr. Mitchell’s in Clinton, Iowa. Am thinking of loved ones far
away.
Tuesday 2
Morning cold wind in the south but before night was in the
west. It is half past eight in the evening and the wind has gone down and
all is still. Squire was going to Sioux Falls but the cars we heard was
snow bound up North. Put a letter in the P.O. for Ella. I think it won’t
go far tonight. Have been sewing on a shirt for Squire Hall. Am taking a
bad cold in my head. My nose is a great trouble.
Wednesday 3
A very cold day could scarcely keep warm. Alone all day
Squire did go to the Falls. Wrote a long letter to Josie Hall but it was
to cold to go to the P.O. To day is the 33rd Anniversary of my 1st
marriage to Alex McConnell. He died in the Army 20 years ago. Not as cold
as was today. Has been snowing some will sit up till Pa comes home and
that will be about two o’clock tonight.
Thursday 4
Got up at nine o’clock fire in the baseburner very low had
to be kindled with wool am not well at all. Put Josie’s letter in the
office. Received the resent she sent me had a letter from Ella. Not quite
so cold as yesterday yet every thing was about froze this morning and we
did not have our breakfast till ten o’clock. So I did not get much work
done this day after I cleaned the house.
Friday 5
Pretty cold eighten degrees below zero but tis a bright and
beautiful day. Got up with an awful pain in the side of my neck. Pa bought
twelve Exponants (?) got six of them. Sent Mrs. Vanduzer, Mrs.
Shultsaberger, Alvin Carter, Lissa, Ella, and Adie each a paper. Also Ella
a letter. James H. Hall stopt into warm himself was taking a walk for
exercise. Still cold.
Saturday 6
Not so cold. Cloudy. I think it will snow. Squire had to go
down again to the Falls and is awful mad about having to go. So I will be
alone I don’t know how long perhapse till Monday. Oh! What a lonely time I
do put in out here in the west. My pets are trying to keep me company by
their singing. Squire did not go down to the Falls got a man to go in his
place. Baked a cake in baseburner.
Sunday 7
Pretty cold have been home all day. Got up at 10 o’clock.
Had breakfast at 11 o’clock. Have been writing to Lissa and Charley
Hayward. James H. Hall called in a while this evening he says he gets
lonesome at the Hotel. I had thought I would begin to attend Church and
Sunday school today but failed to do it. It is after 10 o’clock and I must
retire. Good night.
Monday 8
Some cold but a bright, clear day. Washed and was done by
two o’clock. Mrs. Eason a little while. Finished a letter to Lissa
Hayward. Resieved two letters. One from Addie McConnell and the other from
Mrs. Cook. Pa is complaining of head ache. I hemd him two linin
hankerchiefs this Eve. Have been Sewing on my night dress. Good night
diary.
Tuesday 9
Wind rose in the night my clothes mostly all on the ground
this morning. Got quite warm at about two o’clock. Wind in the Northwest
till evening got into the North. Have been writing to Addie McConnell. Mr.
Blackman called in today to borrow money from Squire Hall.
Wednesday 10
Got up wonderful late this morn. Pretty Stormy in the Morn
but cleared up in the afternoon. No trains Since Monday, blockaded. Have
finished Addie’s letter. Baked bread and have been doing a little of
everything and don’t know now what it is I have done. One car from Egan
last Eve going to Sioux Falls. Am working on Squire Hall’s Shirt he got a
new bosom for it. Good bye.
Thursday 11
Quite a nice morning. Some cold but very calm. No cars yet
consequently no mail. Put 2 letters in the office. Baked 2 Apple Pies. Pa
bought Some cranberries. Had some for Supper. Mrs. Blackman called on her
way home from meeting. She wants me to go tomorrow to Mr. Adams to
meeting. Squire at Hotel playing Seven up. All alone till ten o’clock.
Friday 12
Moderating wind getting up pretty high. No trains yet. Heard
of an awful fire in Milwaka. The Newhole (?) hotel burned will nearly a
hundred lives. Sent Ella a Postal Card but dear knows when She will ever
get it. Have been feeling Sick all afternoon. Made two night caps to day
for myself. Oh! dear how hot Squire has the Stove. The wind is more then
blowing.
Saturday 13
Pretty cold wind in the Northwest. Sky clear. No trains
running. Snowbound. No mail for several days and not likely to be yet for
Sometime. Baked cake and pie and now am baking meat. Have put on my ring
that Ella gave me. My dear girl when will I See you again. Oh! for wings
to fly away and be forever at rest. 10 o’clock Squire not home. Oh! dear.
A pretty cold day but the Sun is Shining clear and bright.
No trains. Oh! what Shall I do can’t hear from My dear Ella or any one
else. Squire has gone down to Jim Hall’s office. I Suppose to play cards.
A man caim for him don’t know who he is. Poor Old Squire. I think he mite
be in better bussiness. The room is very comfortable but I am lonely.
This is the 13th day of January. My thoughts are wondering
away beyond. When Shall we all meet again. Oft Shall glowing hope expire.
Oft Shall wearied love retire. Oft Shall death and Sorrow reign. Ear we
all Shall meet again.
It is the hope the blissful hope. That Jesus grace has
given. The hope when days and years are. We all Shall meet in heaven.
Sunday 14
Sabbath beautiful day emblem of our eternal rest. Squire
went with Jim Hall to baptist Church. I was at home all day feeling So
very miserable homesick and everything else. Was writing to my dear Ella.
Oh! when Shall we meet again. No trains to bring me aney word from my
loved ones. Good night my little diary.
Monday 15
Morning cloudy looks like as if we would have Snow. Mr. and
Mrs. and little Mary Eason was here for dinner. I gave her Some Stiching
to do for me. Snowing a little in the afternoon. Two trains passed this
evening think thare will be Some mail tomorrow. Am knitting more lace. I
hear the Dell Rapids Band.
Tuesday 16
Another lovely day. At home all day but in the evening went
to the M.E. Church to union meeting. The evening was lovely and So there
was quite a good many out. Shook hands with two of the brothers. Set up
till ten o’clock and Sewed on Squire’s Shirt. Went to bed feeling very as
though I had no earthly friend. Farewell.
Wednesday 17
Another lovely day. Went to P.O. and got two letters from
Ella. She was up at LeClaire visiting. Fell awful lonely to day. I wish I
could hear from my boy Ed. Am writing Ella to day. My dear, dear girl. How
I do wish I could see her once more. Mrs. Vanderhoof called this
afternoon. I finished Squire’s Shirt. Made the button hole in my night
dress.
Thursday 18
Morning cold and Stormy. Wind in the North. Has been Snowing
and blowing all day. It is the coldest day we have had this winter. Snow
drifted on the porch. Saw hundreds of little white Snowbirds out in front
of the house. Have been reading in the bible looking for the word
"Sprinkle". Our room is warm but how many poor are Suffering in the cold.
Remember the poor.
Friday 19
A very cold day. The coldest there has been this winter.
Blowing all day from the North. Snow drifting all around. A pile of it on
the porch. House very comfortable. Gave it a good Sweeping this Morning.
Squire has gone to the Masion lodge and I am all alone. Thinking how nice
it would be if Ella was here. The baptist are having meeting the bell has
rung.
Saturday 20
A cold morning. 30 degrees below zero. Very calm. Wind went
down in the night. It has been a very clear, bright, day. Squire Shoved
the Snow off the porch and Sidewalk. No trains for three days So there is
no mail. Oh! how very lonely it is not to get letters. Am knitting lace
for Josie. Squire is going to Odd Fellows. He caim home at nine o’clock.
Sooner than I expected him.
Sunday 21
A cold morning. At home all day talked of going to meeting
but did not go. Have been reading the Sufferings of Our Soldiers in the
Andersonville prison. It is a horrible tail. Thought I would go to meeting
in the evening but Squire did not want to go So I read all evening.
Monday 22
Sewed a button on Hall’s Coat. Very cold. They Say it was 34
(or 24) degrees below zero. Have been reading all day about Andersonville.
A train of cars caim this eve the first for Several days. Mr. Eason called
to See if we ware all alive. Pa bought two papers of yeast. The meetings
are Still going on in the Methodist and baptist Church.
Tuesday 23
Fixed my Old dress to day. Ha ha. Thirteen years Since my
marriage with Mr. Farrell. Oh! time speed on thy flight and take me to his
abode. Day not quite So cold. Still snowing Some. No train yet. When will
I hear from my dear Ella again. Have been feeling awful all day. Oh! So
Sad and lonely away from all I love most and best. Finished Andersonville
that awful Prison.
Wednesday 24
Not quite So cold as yesterday. Snowing and blowing. No
cars, no mail. Awful lonely to not get letters. Went to Store got 3 yds.
Calico, light, and a bunch of lace for 15 cts. 12 yds. Am making Aprons.
Mrs. Eason called in. She had been to the Store with butter. Squire went
to the union meeting. Heard thare is big Snows in Iowa.
Thursday 25
Squire tied rope on the Pump. A pretty freezing cold day.
Washed, awful cold on the fingers hanging Out the clothes. Got through by
one o’clock was very tired by that time. My back hurt me terrible. Washed
my red flannel skirt for the first time in 3 years. I have brought all the
clothes in the house it looks as if it was going to Storm. Wind is getting
up pretty high.
Friday 26
The Morning was Stormy. Snowing and blowing. Cleared about
noon and it is getting quite pleasant. Sun is Shining it makes one feel in
better Spirits. I hope I will Soon get a letter from Ella or Somebody. Am
not very well after my big washing yesterday & Standing in the cold
kitchen. Have begun Some lace with 20 Stiches. Exspect a train to night.
Got the clothes all dry to day. Good luck.
26th day of Jan. Am thinking how glad I would be to See my
dear loved ones once more. Oh! this is an awful lonely winter to me. Have
had no mail for So long. Cars are not running. Snow has blockaded the rail
road. Ella my poor girl, will think I am lost. As She don’t hear from me.
When Shall we all meet again. When Shall we all meet again,
Saturday 27
A fine day, bright and clear. Snow melting. Water droping
off the house. Men all had on thear Stovepipe hats. Squire along with the
rest of them. Baked Six dried Apple pies. Gave Mrs. Eason One. She called
to See me. Finnished Josie’s lace. Have been Sewing on my two calico
aprons. Squire is out to the Odd Fellows again to night and I am all alone
as usual. Good night.
Sunday 28
Another beautiful day till to wards evening. Began clouding
up and this evening is Snowing. Went to M.E. Church this evening. House
quite full. Text, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the
power of God unto Salvation to every One that believes". Sermon by
Professer Unepminde (?) of the Dell Rapids Schoole. Little Mary’s Pa
brought her over from Church to get a drink.
Monday 29
Another beautiful day. Train caim in last night and brought
me five letters. One from Ella, Ed, Mary, Mrs. Mitchell, and My cousin
Thomas Meadville and two Papers from Addie. I have written to Ed, Ella,
and Mrs. Mitchell. Had an invitation to a reseption at Prof. Une’s but we
did not go. Finished both my aprons. Squire has gone to bed.
Tuesday 30
A Stormy day the worst there has been this winter. Snowing
and blowing at a fearful raite. No trains yesterday again all the letters
I wrote are Still in the office. Have begun a letter to my cousin but
can’t say when very he will get it. Union Meeting begun to night in the
baptist Church. The Pump is froze and no body has gotten any water to day.
Squire got a mote in his eye to night. Ha, ha.
Wednesday 31
Quite a pleasant day. Sun Shining bright all day. Squire was
feeling bad this morning but got feeling better. Mr. Hewling was here and
I got him Some dinner. Squire got a big peace of hog to day for 8 cts. lb.
Also another Pound of cheap tea 20 cts. lb. Squire has gone to the union
meeting at the M.E. Church. No mail train to day. Am Still making lace.
Good bye.
February 1883
Thursday February 1
A pretty faire day. Washed. Was through half past 11 o’clock then
cleaned up the house and baked bread. Am very tired to night. Squire has
gone to Meeting. He is not tired as I am. Have been reading the Papers
till my head aches. It looks like Snow. Hope it will be cloudy tomorrow.
It is Groundhog day tomorrow. I must retire. Good night.
Friday 2
Snowing and blowing and as cold as Greenland. Squire not well his heart
is trubling him conciderable. Have not been out of the house all day. No
trains So I get no letters. Pump froze up tight. Two of the School
children ware here for water but got none. Pa did not go out to thaw out
the pump. Groundhog did not See his shadow this day. Oh! the Stormy night.
Saturday 3
Another cold day not quire So Stormy as yesterday. 24 below zero. Gave
the house a good cleaning all over. Starched Pa’s shirts. Brought in 3
Scuttels coal. Fastened up the door to keep out the cold. Squire was gone
four hours to day. Mr. Eason called in little Mary is Sick with a cold.
Finnished my cousin’s letter. Squire was out at the Odd Fellows and I was
all alone.
Sunday 4
A bright, clear day Some wind. No one went to meeting from this house
to day. Wanted Squire to go after I hot him cleaned up and thought he had
gone but he was down town with his green gogles on. He has been writing to
P.K. Hall in Chicago. This is a very lonely day Shut up in the house. Was
dreaming last night of finding a four leaf clover. Birds Singing nicely.
Good bye.
Dell Rapids Feb. 4th 1883. Am Sitting here by the window. Thinking of
the past and gone. The ground is coverd with Snow. The Sun is Shining in a
cloudless Sky and the cold winds are Sweeping across the wide prairies.
Yet in doors all is warmth. The little Birds are Singing in their cages
and Squire Hall is Snoring on the couch and I am but half awake.
Monday 5
Another bright day. Wind in the South. Windows thawing off. Will Eason
called in to day baby’s better and perhape they will be here tomorrow.
Squire is feeling better. I have a pain on the top of my foot and a Sore
on my neck and in fact pains all through me. No letters yet. Oh! dear me.
See lots of teams coming in with grain. I vahrnished Pa’s Hatchet and it
looks nice. Squire went over to the baptist Church to hear Prof. Une
preach.
Tuesday 6
Another lovely day. Baked bread. Mr. an Mrs. Eason an little Mary was
here. Baked baking powder biscut for dinner and pudding. Mrs. Eason went
to P.O. and got a letter and a card from Ester, Mrs. Exley & a card
was from Addie Mc. Patched the Sleeves of my dress then finished my
drawers. Squire went to hear McMahan preach at the Bt. I am at home making
lace. Pa bought apples and prunes. Up till 11 o’clock. Good bye.
Wednesday 7
Another beautiful day. Not a cloud in our beautiful Sky. Mrs. Hoyte
called on me to day. She was looking at my lace and thought it was lovely.
Saw Eason’s passing by going to his father’s, I presume. Squire went to
baptist Church again this evening and got into the devels Corner he Said
where a lot of fellows ware laughing. A Corpse was brought here today from
Coleman. A young Dr. Called on Mrs. Herrington to day.
Thursday 8
Another lovely morning. Saw the Sun rising it was just beautifully
grand to See it as it rose up away over the wide Prairies. It is just nine
o’clock have been to meeting heard a good Surmon text "Prepare to meet thy
God". Mr. R. Wright was here tuneing the Melodian. Went to the funeral at
the Presbyterian Church. Resieved a letter from my dear Ella. My dear,
dear girl how I long to See her. Good bye.
Friday 9
Another beautiful day lots of Sleds coming into town their all Shapes
and Sizes. Went to baptist Meeting not quite So many as the night before.
Did not put my letters in the office. Forgot them. Wind is getting up now.
Stuffed the batting in the door to keep out the wind. Have been knitting
lace Since we caim from Church. Retired half past ten o’clock. Meeting at
the Church just out. Good bye.
Saturday 10
Morning clear but very windy. Am boiling a peace of meat. Am baking dry
Apple Pies. Squire got Some green ones fifty cts. a pk. Ella Herrington
caim in with a book and Stella’s Autograph Album. Pa went to Odd Fellows
Meeting. The Rev. McMahan called in and left a book called the Miracle of
Stone. On the great Pyramid of Egypt. Have been reading it all evening.
Retired before the Squire caim home. Good bye.
Sunday 11
Another beautiful day. Did not go to meeting this morning have been
reading all the four noon. Squire went to Presbyterian Church. Mr. &
Mrs. was here after meeting. Staid till after 3 o’clock. Squire is down
town Some place. Went to Church this evening. House full. Text today if ye
will hear his voice harden not your hearts. Pumped water to wash. The pump
is nearly dry. Good night diary.
Monday 12
A Show at baptist Church. Another beautiful day. Only a little windy.
Washed and was done by noon but it was to winday to hang out the clothes.
Put them out about four o’clock. Cleaned up the Shanty. Will Eason was
here. I Sent little Mary a pie. Mr. Hawling called he wanted to borrow
Money of Squire. Have been knitting lace had brisket for tea. My arms and
back hurts me bad. Good buy. Squire is off tonight at Masons.
Tuesday 13
Another beautiful day. Went out to the country. Mr. Eason caim in
afternoon. Me had a Spended time. Mrs. Eason Playd on her Organ and how
Sweet it did Sound to me. I thought when my dear girl was at home with me
playing on the Old Melodian. For dinner we had Meat, cabbage, turnips,
potatoes, pudding, and Cream pie, tea, bread and butter. Mrs. Eason caim
in with me but did not get out of Sleigh. Am tired.
Wednesday 14
A warm morning. Snow is going off pretty fast. Don’t feel very well to
day after my trip to the country. Baked bread. Had Some cabbage today for
dinner. Mrs. Whitman called to See me. Finished my lace to day. At least
my thread run out. Squire bought a new book. A testament. Hope he will
read it every day. He Sent for the Omaha bee Paper today. Meeting in
baptist church.
Thursday 15
Twelve years to day I lost a very dear friend. Mr.Farrell. Oh! cruel
death why hast thou robbed me of my loved one. A pleasant day. Eason’s
called a while was going to Huntingam a while till the Mail was in. Got
two letters from Dave and one from P.K. I think it is preparing for a cold
Snap. Drisling rain and feezing. Rev. McMahne called in this evening. Pa
thought he wanted Money yet did not ask. Called to see Mr. Lee.
Friday 16
A very Stormy day. Snowing and blowing at a terrible gale. Squire has
gone down town through all the Storm. Can’t See from the Snowblowing.
Awful lonely to day. Don’t know what to get at. No teams on the Streets to
day. Wind gone down very little and awfull cold. But our house is very
warm. Squire gone to Masons Lodge again. Think there won’t be Many out
this Stormy night. Good night diary.
Saturday 17
Two loved one. Anniversary. Twenty years to day away down near Rolla,
Mo. They laide a Soldier to rest in a little grave at Camp Bliss. Nothing
to mark the Spot. But in the morning of the reserrection he will come
forth clad in his white robes to meet his redeemer in the Skys. Oh! haiste
thought Swift wing Angel and bear me to the loved ones beyond this
transatory world. Never to part again. A Sad day to me.
Sunday 18
Quite a pleasant day. Squire went to Presbyterian meeting. I was at
home all day. A long lonely it was to me. Squire caim from meeting and
then went downtown. I got Supper and eat before he caim back. He went to
baptist meeting in the evening. I was at home reading. Don’t feel very
well to night. I do think we will get another Storm before very long. So
ends another Sabbath. Good bye.
Monday 19
Another beautiful morning. Two years to day Since we had our Sale in
Old LeClaire. Went to office got four Papers but no letters. Sent Addie
the lace. Mrs. Eason called a while. She had gotten a letter from her
Mother. Think it will Storm Soon my bones are all aching. Squire gone and
McMane wanted to See him. Wish I could hear from my girl. Oh! how Sad and
lonely it is. Good bye.
Tuesday 20
Another beautiful day. Snow melting away. Mrs. Dr. Lucus called. She is
getting names for a quilt. Squire gave her 100. Mr. and Mrs. Eason called
for me and took me over to the Dells. Went down through them two miles. It
was quite a pleasant ridge. Crossed the river on the ice. Bridge broken
down. Mrs. Morse was here when I got home. Misting Snow this evening. Hall
gone again.
Wednesday 21
Cloudy all day but quite warm. Thawing. It has been a very lonely day.
Have written two letters one to my dear girl and one to my cousin Jane.
Got a postal from Ella. Sent Mary a letter. Saw Nellie Rice out with a lot
of girles in a Sled taking a ride. Snowing Some to night and I don’t feel
very well to night. I guess because I don’t hear from my friends. Good
night.
Thursday 22
Washington’s Birthday. Another beautiful day. Had lots of company to
day. Mr. & Mrs. Heuting, Mr. & Mrs. Eason and Holmer Hayward. Mr.
Hayward and Hulings were her for dinner. Sent Ella a letter with two
Photos in it. Got a Postal from Lissa Hayward. Her babe has been sick. The
baptist have a Socieable at the B. Church. Am feeling tired to night.
Squire is out. Good bye.
Friday 23
Cloudy all day and warm. Don’t feel very well. Pains all through me. No
one here to day. At home all day knitting lace. Baked bread and read the
Exponant. Nearly eleven o’clock. Squire getting ready for bed. Drissling
rain this evening. Two years to day Since we moved to Clinton, Iowa. Oh!
that dirty house. My darling Ed was with me and helpt me all he could.
Good bye.
Saturday 24
Another beautiful day. Snow melting away. Heard there was another big
Storm in Iowa and R.R. all blockade. Mrs. Herrington called on me. Pa has
taken a bad cold. I am not very well myself but don’t Say much about it.
He went out to Odd Fellows. I dind want him to go. Caim home feeling bad.
Lauyen Hall called to day had a cool reception I thought. Saw a wonderful
thing on the R.R.
Sunday 25
Still another lovely day. Folks going to Church Meeting in the four
Churches. Squire is very horse this morning went to the drug Store. Got a
bottle Halls Balsum for the lungs. He is feeling bad this morning. Mrs.
Eason caim to See us. She had been to Meeting and had gone to father
Eason’s for dinner. She wants to see her Ma awful bad. Pa is going to
bathe his feet before he goes to bed. It has been a lonesome day to me.
Feb. twenty fifth. I was thinking all day how much I would love to See
my dear loved ones. Had pictured out many pleasant Sceanes to myself while
Sitting in the Old Arm Chair. My dear, dear Children. I hope you will
never, never know the Many, Many pangs I have for you. Oh! what is all the
world to me now Since I am away from you all. Two years Since I left my
old home in LeClaire and all my dear old friends. Can I forget thee
Never-no for as long as memorys tide Shall Till death the threads Shall
go. Can I forget thee Never-no. Two years ago and my dear boy was with me
but to night I am far away from him and my poor dear Ella. O how I long to
See her. Oh cruel, cruel man.
Monday 26
It has been another lovely day. Done two weeks washing and was through
by noon. Had to melt Some Snow the Pump failed. Am very tired to night
after my big washing. Mrs. Eason, Mary and Mr. was here a while this
afternoon. Have been writing to my little friend Lissa Hayward. Squire is
out. A bad cure for a cold I think. He got his Bee to day the first Paper.
Good bye.
Tuesday 27
Another beautiful day. Snow going off fast. Water runing down the hill.
Had a long letter from Ella. Sent Lissa a letter. Jim Stout was here and
wanted to sell Pa land. Am not feeling well to day. My head is in a buzz
all day. Have been writing to my dear girl. Will finish tomorrow. It is So
very warm in here. The baseburner makes it too warm. Good night diary.
Wednesday 28
Another beautiful day feels like Summer. Irond in the fournoon. Mr.
Huling was here for dinner. I gave him Some corn and beans for Seed. Mr.
and Mrs. Eason was here also. Mrs. Graves called on me. Finished Ella’s
letter and Sent to P.O. Pa is feeling bad. His heart trubles him So much.
No Mrs. Shaw yet. Awful hot in the house. Opened doors and windows.
February thou art nearly gone. Farewell to you.
March 1883
March 1, Thursday
Still another beautiful day. Mud getting plenty inded. This is the Old
Settlers reunion at the Presbyterian Church. See lots of people going.
Men, Woman and Children. They are gong to have music. Pa Still feeling
bad. Weights 137. Here Starts up the Band. Have been all afternoon
cleaning Oil Stove. The Band have more music. The crowd took off their
hats and waved them with three cheers. Good night.
Friday 2
The Sun rose bright but Soon climbed up and was cloudy all day. Spit a
little Snow. Mrs. Bean and her daughter called. Sam Richason and Dic
Bandell was here to day wanted to borrow Money. Baked bread. Five loaves.
Had currents for Supper. Tonight is the Con doings I wanted to go. Fixed
Pa’s coat Sleeves. Have been knitting lace the rest of the day. Am very
sleepy after Singing.
Saturday 3
Quite a pleasant day. Getting Still mud in all the time. Baseburner
went out last night and we had a wonderful time getting it to burn. Mr.
and Mrs. Eason was in. She brought four fish. I had them for dinner but
eat only two of them. Went to P.O. got 3 letters, 2 cards, and Ruth’s
Photograph. Squire is out at Odd Fellows and I have been coaxing the fire
all eve. I have had a cup of tea and it is 9 o’clock. Good bye.
Sunday 4
Another Sabbath day ended. Not quite so pleasant to day a little chilly
and cloudy. At home all day as usual. Have written a letter to my darling
Ella. Squire Hall has gone to baptist Church to night. My little Frankie
Bird has been hopping around he don’t like the light. Wanted Pa to write
to Ruth but he won’t do it. Good night my diary.
Monday 5
A little cool and Snowed a very little not enough hardly to be Seen.
Finished the lace and put it in P.O. Sent Ella a letter. Pa got another
piece of pork. Baked 3 pies. Cooked Spanelils (?) for dinner with
potatoes. Was dreaming of been out to Flora Haywards. I won’t forget what
She told me. Got two more Spools of thread to make lace. Squire put up
wire on the fence for folks to tear clothes. Squire out. Good by. My head
dizzy.
Tuesday 6
Windy and Some cold. Fire went out again last night in the baseburner.
Train went down last night at 12 o’clock. Through train I heard. The first
for nearly two months. This is election day and the Squire is down town.
The wind keeps blowing it is going to be cold to night. Finnished writing
a letter to A. McConnell. How I long to See my dear ones once more. How
Sad the thought.
Wednesday 7
A nice day onley a little windy. Gave the house a regular good
sweeping. Finished Addie’s letter and took it to the office. Pa was
feeling bad again So I bathed his face and hands then he felt better. Meet
Mrs. Hawlings on the Street. Mr. & Mrs. Shaw are not here yet. Pa
bought a new pair of boots to day at Jo Lee’s Store at 250. Am feeling
real tired after my Sweeping. Good bye.
Thursday 8
Quite a lovely day. Sun rose beautiful this Morning. The train caim
through this morning from Chicago. The first their has been for over tow
months. Just now the Blackman girl went down the railroad. Poor girl She
is not Sound of mind and always takes her walk on the R.R. Filling up
Scrapbook. Pa went twice over to Sociable and after all eat his Supper at
home and did not go back. Am not well.
Friday 9
Windy and cloudy and is getting cold. Wind in the North was trying to
Snow but failed. News Scarce. Squire went to Masons and I broke the
chimney of the lamp. It flew in a dozen pieces. So I had to light the
hanging lamp. Heard a fellow falling over the Steps at front door. Am not
very well. Squire got home late in the night. Train did not get in. Good
bye my diary.
Saturday 10
Quite a fine day looks like Spring. No Shaw’s yet. Mr. Eason was in
expecting to See them. Baked bread, pies 3, and a pan of rusk. Went to
P.O. got a letter from Ella. Also paper. Was expecting Several letters.
Mr. Huling was here again. I have him some tomatoes and radish Seed and
half a Pie to eat. Am not feeling well. Squire gone to Odd Fellows Lodge.
Have been writing to my dear Ella.
Sunday 11
Another lovely day. Sabbath of Eternal rest how near art thou. Squire
went to Church. Mr. and Mrs. Eason ware here caim here after church was
out. Have written to my dear Ella. Had a big hunt for Frankie bird to day
found him Sitting in the corner of a picture. I am expecting Mr. Eason
tomorrow. I am going to get a new dress. It is nearly ten o’clock. Good
night.
Monday 12
Another nice day. Went to Whitman’s Store with Mrs. Eason and bought me
a dress. Cost 380cts. Got a letter from Ed and Ella. Ed is in Davenport. I
put two letters in the office for Ella. Have been feeling miserable all
evening. Can’t tell what is the Matter. Sides ache, head dizzy. Went to
Sleep thinking of my dear loved ones far away.
Tuesday 13
Another lovely day, warm. Went to Country. Pa went along. Mr. Eason
caim for us and brought us home. Mrs. Eason is making my dress. Had a good
time we was disputing about St. Patrick’s day. It is the 17th of March
instead of Feb. We found our house very warm. The coals bright in the
Stove. Made a cup of tea. I went hungary. Pa is out So good night diary.
Wednesday 14
A little cold and windy. Washed put out calicos till eve put out white
clothes. Still windy and cold. Had a great time to keep the clothes off
the ground. Am feeling tired and my hands Sore. Freezing tonight. Ript up
my old Allpaea (?) dress and going to fix it over. Band is playing over at
the Printing office. Have a pain near my heart to night. Good bye.
Thursday 15
Another nice day not very warm yet pleasant. Working on my old dress
and have a pain in my head. Got better and went to the Band Concert house
was full. It was pretty good. Pa and I went cost fifty cents. Put him out
was the cloasing play. Brought in all the clothes. All dry. Itims Scarce
this day must retire at home. 10 o’clock. Good night little diary.
Friday 16
Another day is gone and it has been a pleasant day. My head is feeling
badly all day as well as my heart. Done Some baking and irond and had two
callers. Mrs. Hager and Miss Nesbit. Oh! I Shall not forget those Onions
Soon that was frying on the Stove when they called. Band Concert meets
again to night at Baptist Church. Got a letter from Ella. Sent her Papers.
Saturday 17
St. Patrick’s Day. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw caim this morning at two o’clock.
We got up and I made tem a cup of tea. Them Pa & Mr. Shaw went to bed.
Mrs. S. and I sleep on the couch. Had breakfast at nine o’clock they went
out with Will Eason to the country. Mrs. Huling was here to day. The day
has been warm. Opened 3 windows. Still at the old dress. Squire gone to
Odd Fellows. Good night dairy.
Sunday 18
Very cold and wind blowing hard. We had to eat breakfast in the Sitting
room after I got through work. Stuffed up the cracks in the dinning room
door and them the room got warm. At home all day reading and think of dear
Absent loved Ones. Squire went down two with his Slippers on this cold
day. No Wiggens Storm yet. Have that pain in my Side again. Good bye. One
year to night Since I Saw Pa.
Monday 19
Morning clear and cold but no wind. Will get warm again. Am going to
fix up the old dress to day. Birds Singing. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw and Mrs.
Eason and baby was here for dinner. I went over to Mrs. Shaw’s they went
out to Eason’s again. Caim home and washed up the dishes and them worked
on my dress. Pa was he had Sold Ben’s land. He had two letters from B. and
1 from W. Good bye.
Tuesday 20
One year to day Since I bid my dear girl good bye. Finnished up my
dress and put it on and went to P.O. Got nothing but a card from Ella.
Felt very much disappointed that I did not get more. One year tonight I
was at Mrs. Mitchel’s in Clinton, Iowa. Where will another year find me.
God alone knows. The day has been chilley and spitting Snow. Good bye.
Wednesday 21
Squire was up early this morning to take the cars from Madason D.T. to
see land. Did not get home. Gave the house a good Sweep. Dressed and went
t P.O. with Ella’s letter. Got one from Mary. Was working on Some of my
Silk Scraps had to Stop till I get more Silks. Am Still at lace. Day a
little cool. Went to bed half past nine o’clock. So good night my little
book.
Thursday 22
One year in Dakota. Oh! dear ground white this morning with a thin
Snow. Squire did not come on morning cars. Mrs. Lankins called on me. Got
supper at five o’clock and waited for Squire but he did not get home till
three o’clock this morning. Got two of his fingers hut on the car door.
Knit lace till late then retired feeling bad but could not get to sleep
till about 12 o’clock. Got up when Squire caim.
Friday 23
Day pleasant onley cool. Don’t feel very well have a pain in my left
lung. Can’t draw a long breath with out pain. Am alone as usual again.
Squire is gone to Masonic Lodge. I see Mr. Shaw have come in from the
country. I See the Curtain up. Squire got a long letter from B. Hall of
Chicago asking many more questions. Good night.
Saturday 24
Rather a pleasant day not feeling very well have a pain in my left
lung. Mr. Shaw caim in and said Mrs. Eason wanted me. I went over. She had
my dress and wanted me to put it on. We all came back. I went to P.O. put
in a letter for Mrs. Eason. I got two letters and two Photos. Adie &
Sammie [unreadable word] one letter from Lissa & 1 from Addie. Mrs.
Shaw caim over in the eve. Squire went to Odd Fellows.
Sunday 25
Looks like winter. Snowing and blowing yet not cold. Made Squire Some
toast So now he is Sleeping on the couch. I have been reading Lissa’s
letter over for the third time. Am looking at my own darling Adie’s Photo.
How I Should love to See my darlings. Evening passed away very Slow. Did
not go to Church this day. Good night to my little diary.
Monday 26
Pretty cool all day freezing. Washed, was done by twelve o’clock. Pump
went dry. Hands very Sore the lye is too Strong. Mr. Shaw was here I
invited him to Stay to dinner but he decline. Fixed the hem in my new
dress Sleeves. Am feeling bad to night. Don’t know what I will do did not
eat much Supper. Oh! drive those dark clouds from My Sky. Good night.
Tuesday 27
Ground covered with Snow this morning but was all gone before night. Am
not feeling So very well head feels badly. Squire bought a Matress pad Six
dollars and twenty cts. We could have gotten along without it. Mr.
Herrington carried it over and put in on the porch. Brought in the clothes
& folded them. Seen Eason going by in a Sleigh. Very poor Sleighing.
Squire looking for Will Hall.
Wednesday 28
Snowed again last night and has been Snowing all day. My head is Still
aching though. I baked a cake and two custard pies. Cleaned up the little
pantry and washed up Some of the dishes. Sugar bowl Spoon holder &
made Some Syrip. Then washed Squire’s dirty face & combed his hair.
Mad a finger Stall for his Sore finger. Can’t go to P.O. too Snowy. Had
Some of the cake for tea.
Thursday 29
Morning calm and cloudy yet not cold. My head is Still aching. Intendid
going to P.O. office but give it up will go tomorrow. Baked & irond
and read the Papers. Snow is going off slow. Sleights running to day. Am
feeling better then I did last night although I feel awful lonely. Oh! I
want to take wings & fly away forever. Good night.
Friday 30
Charley bird went off to day to Mankato. It has been Snowing all day
and melting away as it fell. Went to P.O. and got two letters one card and
package of Silk Ella Sent. A letter from her the other from cousin Jane
the card was from Addie Mc . Sent Ella her lace. Pa Sent a letter to
Sooham. Have had a pain in my Stomach all day. Sent Ella a letter. Squire
off again to Masonic Lodge. Mr. Dodd was in this evening.
Saturday 31
Snowing again all day. It is quite warm. Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Eason was
here. Mr. Shaw caim to borrow the wheel barrow. Baked 3 custards and
cuckeys. Saw a horse running off and two little boys ware in the cutter.
One got hurt. Squire is off again to Odd Fellows. It is awful lonely to
night. O had I the wings like a dove for then would I Soon be at rest.
Farewell March 1883 gone.
April 1883
Sunday April 1
17 yrs. today Since S. Mother died. Got fooled the first thing this
morn. Pa told me to get up Mrs. Shaw was coming over. I fooled him I wrote
him a letter. At home all day. This evening went with Mr. Shaw to the
Presb. Church. Text Remember Lot’s wife. We are burning soft coal and the
house is full of gas and makes it very disagreable and hurts my lungs. Oh!
dear he has had the Stove open. What a Smell.
Monday 2
Quite a pleasant day. Windy. Mrs. Shaw called in awhile this forenoon.
Finnished Jim & Addie’s letter and went to P.O. Mrs. Shaw Spent the
evening with Me. She had her quilt paches with her. Mr. Shaw caim after
Exabitim (?) was out. Squire went down town. He got a peck of potatoes.
The first he has bought this winter. It is 11 o’clock. Time to retire.
Good night.
Tuesday 3
Another fine day. Done Some baking this morning. After dinner went over
to Mrs. Shaw’s was thare till six o’clock. Caim home found Squire in his
Old place on the couch. Got tea then Squire went down town. Have been at
Ruby’s quilt. Am cooling taters to make bread. Room very warm. Miss Lizzie
Gallaway was married to day. Good night my little diary.
Wednesday 4
Have been preparing for those ministers and believe though that they
will be to our house. I am Sure I didt care. Baked bread & cake.
Cooked fruit. We are looking for Some hard coal on cars. Heard wild geese.
It is going to Storm I think before long. Squire bought a can of grapes
and a can of blue berries. Mr. Graves told Squire he would not trouble him
with the Preachers. Pa bought Lee’s Wot Not. Sent Ella card.
Thursday 5
Morning pretty cool. The wind in the north and quite cloudy. Looks as
if it would Snow. Half past eight A.M. And no Signs of a Preacher. Got an
early dinner So I could go to Mrs. Shaws to kep baby for Mrs. Eason while
eating. Mr. Graves brought in Mr. Bell to dinner. Felt pretty bad over it
as I did not have the table in the best Style. Went to Shaw’s . Staid till
five o’clock. Put in two Bees for Jim Mac. Got letter from Ella.
Friday 6
Got up with a bad pain in my head. Have been feeling Sick all day. Mr.
Shaw was in to get me to Sign his Papers. Pa varnished the Wot Not to day
and bought a load of Soft coal. Finnished Ruby’s little quilt. Darling
little girl how I would love to See her. Just half past eight bathed my
feet and am a little better. Yet Still have pain in my head. Squire is
closing the window Shutters.
Saturday 7
11 o’clock A.M. Quite a Snow last night but is all gone now. Squire
went to country to sell land. Have just gotten through my work and while
my tea is making will write a line or so in my diary. It is half past 8
o’clock P.M. Squire caim home after noon got dinner. Mrs. Shaw caim over
with her box of paches. Was here for tea. Mr. Shaw caim in a while. Mrs.
S. wants me to go to Church tomorrow. Squire off to Odd Fellows.
Sunday 8
Have just caim from Meeting. Text to let our light Shine in the Midst
of a cracked & preverce (?) people. The day has been lovely. Everybody
was out walking. Pa & I was away up the Rail Road crossed over to Mr.
Shaws but we could not find them. Have been writing to Lissa Hayward. Have
worn my new dress for the first time. The clock has Struck the hour of 9.
Nearly time to retire. Good night my little diary.
Monday 9
The day has been fine. A very little wind did not wash got up late.
Squire bought a new Suite of clothes and what a laugh we had over his
Short tail coat. Mr. Shaw & I. He does look So odd in cheap clothes.
He got the yard filled up today. Mrs. Shaw called in was Showing me Some
[?] She had bought. I blackend Squire’s Boots he has gone over to Shaw’s.
Half past Seven tea is Over. Squire gone down town. Mr. Shaw has just been
in.
Tuesday 10
Snowing and blowing for all that is out. Rained in the night. Caught
two barrels of water. Squire went to the Falls to night on the freight
train. Mr. & Mrs. Shaw caim and Spent the evening with me. Went home
at 9 o’clock and I Staid up till 10 o’clock and finnished my two letters
to Lissa Hayward and Mrs. Exley. Good night my little diary. I retire.
Wednesday 11
Got up at Six o’clock made a fire in C. Stove got a little breakfast
and went to washing. Got clothes out by eleven o’clock. Cleaned up the
kitchen got a little dinner. Baked two custard pies, dressed and went to
P.O. got one letter. It was from Ella. Caim home and wrote one to Ruth and
took it to the office. Been raining most all afternoon. Eat my little
Supper on the Melodian.
Thursday 12
Morning cloudy and very damp and no end to the mud. Squire caim home
last night half past one o’clock. He bought himself a new umbrella. Now we
have 3 of them. Sent Ella a card. Mr. Shaw called into See about his tax.
Squire was to pay them. Have a head ache but went over to Mrs. Shaws with
Mary’s doll and it’s clothes. Caim home and bathed my head with St. Jacob
oil. Am feeling very miserable. Good bye.
Friday 13
Got up this Morning feeling very poorly. Had Still aching got ready
after dinner and went over to Mrs. Shaw’s to have Mrs. Eason fit my dress.
Staid for tea but eat very little my head Still feeling badly. Caim home
and got Squire tea. Gave Mrs. Eason the Milk Strainer. Squire is reading a
Story of India. Am going to sit bread to rise and then retire So good
night little diary.
Saturday 14
rizling rain. Oh! what a gloomy day. Not one beam of Sun Shine. The
lady called to See if I was going to learn to make those waxflowers but I
could not get a dollar from the Old Man if he is one. A Man heh. Began a
letter to Ella my dear dear Ella. I saw my dear Ed last night in a Dream.
Wind blowing at a fearful raite. Squire gone to Odd Fellows and I am alone
writing to my Ella.
Sunday 15
Morning cool & windy. Did not go to Meeting don’t feel well. Have
been writing to Ella. Squire has been Sleeping nearly all day. Mr. &
Mrs. Shaw called & then went to M.E. Meeting. They wanted us to go but
I did not feel like going out in the damp when my head was feeling bad. It
has been another long day. Oh! how lonely it is here with no one to talk
to.
Monday 16
Morning bright what a lovely morning it is. Onley the wind keeps up.
Froze Some last night. It is eight o’clock A.M. Dishes not washed. Squire
reading the Bee he got this morning. Now it is half past 8 o’clock P.M. I
hear the Dell Rapids Band in the baptist Church. Squire is out and the
fire is out. Sent Ella a letter. My darling girl when Shall we meet again.
Yes, yes.
Tuesday 17
Got a bottle of blue ink. Alone all day Squire went to Howard this
morning on the freight train. Caim at Six o’clock. The day has been a
little cool. Baked four Pies. Did not as I thought I would. Cleaned up the
closet and dusted the Shelves. Red up my trunk Some & then began to
make a boarder for my Silk quilt. Am very Sleepy did not get to Sleep last
night till after twelve. G. night.
Wednesday 18
Morning a little like Spring. Birds are Singing. Saw Mrs. Shaw going
out to Eason’s. Went to P.O. got 3 letters. Answered two. Ella’s and Ruth.
Am writing to Mrs. M. Cook this evening. Pa got two letters one from Ben
and the other from Mrs. Ga. She Sent a piece of Lizzie’s wedding dress,
and two other. Ruth Says they are going to move to Winerone the 1st of
March. I’m tired So good night.
Thursday 19
Morning cloudy and cold. Finnished Mrs. Cook’s letter. After dinner
went to Mrs. Shaw’s. Mrs. Blackman caim in and Staid quite a while. Then I
kept baby till She Set out Some roots. When I caim home She gave me a
Slice of butter. Caim home and took Mrs. Cook’s letter to P.O. See a big
Prairie fire across the river. Good night.
Friday 20
A very windy day in the South. I thought as Friday was an unlucky day I
would cut out my dress. Have it cut & basted together. Have been
reading Some in the Bee. Prairie Still burning. Opened a can of grapes.
They ware most all water. Squire has gone to Masonic Lodge won’t be home
till late. So good night.
Saturday 21
A blot for a kiss a kiss. Wind blowing a rant all day with Showers
about every hour. Squire caim home last night after one o’clock. I did not
get to Sleep till after three o’clock done a little baking. Done up my
Sunbonet. Have been working on my calico dress. Squire is out to Odd
Fellows again to night. Planted Some tomatoes in boxes that I made of
paper. 8 o’clock.
Sunday 22
A very, very Stormy day. Raining and blowing. A Standing in water. Did
not go out doors hardly all day. Began a letter to Ella. Squire complains
of pain in his chest. I presume it is rhumatism he has got this damp
weather. Give him a good wash off. Perhapse he will feel better. Nine
o’clock P.M. and Still blowing. Oh! this has been a lonely day. Good bye.
Monday 23
Pa planted out his roots to day. Quite cold this morning. Ice on the
streets. Still blowing. Sun trying to Shine from behind a big cloud. Baked
two peach pies. Mrs. Eason called when we was eating dinner. I gave her
some Pie. Pa went down and got Some of her butter. Mr. Shaw went to Sioux
Falls and Mrs. Shaw was with us all nights. She and I Slept together. Did
not go to Sleep till late. Pa Slept on the couch with the Mattress under
him. Mr. & Mrs. Grissee caim back.
Tuesday 24
Morning bright. Got up with head ache. Mrs. Shaw got up and went home
before breakfast. Began a letter to Lissa Hayward before dinner. After
dinner Mrs. Shaw and I went out calling. We made fifteen calls. Was
getting dark when we caim home. Found a Man here wanting to see Mrs. Shaw.
Pa planted his potatoes to day. Am feeling tired after my big walk. Pa is
not well will bathe his feet.
Wednesday 25
This has been a beautiful day. I done a big washing. Washed 2 blankets
& comforter and Pa’s pants. Am very tired. Looks much like rain again.
Saw Mr. & Mrs. Shaw going to country this Morning. Saw Mrs. Graves and
her Sister passing by Mrs. Mouns. Called over to Mrs. Vanderhoof’s. Meet
Miss Carrie Griswald. She made a big mistake took me for Mrs. Stoten. Ha,
ha. Am going to retire.
Thursday 26
Morning lovely. Got up an put Bird in the window and them went back to
bad. Was feeling tired after my washing. Fixed a bow on my dress. Mr.
& Mrs. Shaw was here this evening gave us Some Onions. Then we all
went out and listened to the Niger Singers. Wrote Pa a letter or rather
wrote for him. Have Sit Spunge & folded the clothes So good night.
Friday 27
Another beautiful day. Squire sit out his onions. I bake bread, cake,
and two pies. Irond in afternoon called on Mrs. Hearington. Went to P.O.
Got a letter from A. McConnell. Meet Mrs. Griswald at the Store. Brought
her home then Mrs. Rice, Mrs. Fargo, and Miss Nellie Rice called. Squire
went to Masonic Lodge and I have been writing. Gertie, Stella, &
Nellie Herrington gave me their cards.
Saturday 28
A pretty nice day went over to Mrs. Shaw’s to do Some Sewing. Mrs. Bean
& daughter called while thare. After they left Mrs. Black caim over
and we Started home together. Squire went to Odd Fellows and I bound a
blanket. Was writing Some to Lissa and Addie Mc. House is getting cold and
my weeks work is done. So good bye little diary.
Sunday 29
Another pretty day. Gave the Squire a good washing off. We did not go
to meeting until evening. Mr. & Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Eason and baby all
caim over and we all went to the M. E. Church to hear Mr. Adams preach on
temperance. The church was full. Shook hands with Mr. & Mrs. Griswold
& Mrs. Rice. Good bye my little diary.
Monday 30
Bands playing in B. Church. Quite a nice day. Fresh & pure. Will
Hall caim this morning was here for dinner & tea. He & his Pa went
out to country. Mrs. Vandehoof called. I went to P.O. with Addie’s letter.
Bought Frakean Appel at Mr. Wene’s. Have been Sewing on my dress this
afternoon. Eat supper by lamp light. Will and his father has gone down
town. Mr. Rice & his brother called to See Squire. Mrs. Graves called
in a while this evening. 10 o’clock.
May 1883
Tuesday May 1
Merry day queen of May. Alone all day. Squire and Wil went to Madison
this morning on the freight train. The M.E. Church had a May breakfast at
Episcopal hall. The Band paraded the Streets and played Several pieces.
Have been Sewing on My dress and knitting lace besides. Got a load of coal
to day. It has raind Some & the wind is blowing to night. Looked for
Squire but he has not come. Oh! how lonely it is.
Wednesday 2
All alone yet. Squire did not get home to night on the freight. It has
been a gloomy day, drizzling rain & blowing. Have had headache all
day. Went to P.O. Nothing their for me. Went to Mrs. Vandehoofs and
finnished Stitching my dress. She gave me Some Papers to read. It is just
eight o’clock and the fire has gone out and I feel chilly and will Soon
retire. Can’t tell why I did not get a letter from Ella today. Good night.
Thursday 3
Squire got his Premium today! Looked like winter this morning found
white with Snow. Squire caim home this morning half past one o’clock. My
head was feeling bad at that time. Got up at nearly nine o’clock. Will
Hall caim this evening. Got him his supper. Hand eggs. His father an him
went to Presby. Social and got another Supper. Finnished my dress. Mr.
Rice called to See Dr. Will. Started home at one o’clock.
Friday 4
Morning cloudy and chilly. Was going to bake but put it off till
tomorrow. Don’t feel very well went over to Mrs. Shaw’s in afternoon but
She was gone to country. Mr. Shaw was working at his house. I did not go
in. It was Sprinkling rain So I hurried home. Oh! it is So lonely when no
Sun is Shining. Have been knitting & reading papers alternately all
day. The clock has just struck nine. There is a Strange Sort of music on
the Street. Good bye.
Saturday 5
Half past 9 o’clock P.M. & raining. A beautiful Sunrise. Not one
cloud to be seen. Baked bread and two peach pies & done part of the
washing while I had a fire. Then cleaned up house eat a piece and then
went over to the Dells to fish. Pa bought him a hook & line and rod.
We did not get one fish. It was quiet at the Dells. Mrs. Shaw, Eason,
& Mrs. Wittman called. Got me a pair kidgloves 1.25. Got a letter from
Mrs. W. Vanduzer. Pa’s at Odd Fellows.
Sunday 6
A lovely day. Quite warm in the afternoon. We went to congrational
church heard Mr. Une preach. The Sun was very hot on the hill. Mr. &
Mrs. Shaw Stopt on their way home from Church. A big gathering at
Presbyterian Church. A Temparance Lecture but we did not go. Shaw’s went
and Stopt in going home and gave us the key of the door. Saw 3 baptised in
the river by the bridge. I looked threw the field glass. So ends the
Sabbeth.
Monday 7
Quite cool again wind in the North but raining again this evening. We
went to Presbyt. Church to hear a lady temperance lecture and quite a
number was there. It was pretty good talk. Only She has the Sudad broge
(?) on her tongue. Tore up my old traveling dress. Pa made 3 dollars today
in an arbitration case. My what beautiful lightning in the South. How it
thunders.
Tuesday 8
Squire bought 3 lbs. Tea 60 cts. Raind awful last night the roads are
Standing in water. Squire is having a floor put in the kitchen. Mr.
Stratten is doing the job. Am feeling very bad in my head. Went to P.O.
Nothing there for me. Feel very much disappointed that I got no letter
from Ella. After dinner went to bed and took a Sleep. After eight o’clock
P.M. and beginning to rain again. Saw lots of movers to day going west. Am
Sick. Must retire. Good night.
Wednesday 9
Morning cloudy and dark. Raind very had last night. Am feeling Some
better then I did yesterday. Kitchen is getting lathed today. Squire got 2
letters from George, 1 from Will & Eliza. Eight o’clock P.M. Has been
raining a great part of the day. I hear Sam had moved up to Winona, Minn.
Had intended going to prayer meeting this eve but it is to damp for me to
go out. Don’t feel very good just now.
Thursday 10
A pretty nice day. Got kitchen plastered & flue built. Went to P.O.
go two letters Ella & Addie. Stopt in at Mrs. Graves got 3 books to
read then went to Mrs. Shaw’s did not find her at home. Caim back and She
then caim in to See me. Sent Addie & Ella both a card. Have been
reading this evening about a Soldier boy and now I must Say good night and
retire.
Friday 11
The day has been a little cool. Have been cleaning cupboard &
dishes and the pantry. Done Some baking. Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Eason was here
left babe Sleeping while they went down Shopping. Mrs. Lucus made me a
call. She caught me in a [unreadable]. Am pretty tired this evening.
Squire was Sleeping nearly all the afternoon. Had Some Pie Plant for
Supper. Good bye.
Saturday 12
Quite a nice day. Air little cool. Done Some ironing & made 1 pie.
Reading most all day. Went a while to Mrs. Shaw’s. Mrs. Eason there had on
my new calico. Squire went to Odd Fellows. I have been writing to my dear
girl. It is ten o’clock P.M. and I am tired So must Say good night &
retire. Another week gone. Oh! time how Swift the flights.
Sunday 13
Oh! what a gloomy day. Raining all day as hard as could be. Water
running down in our kitchen chimney till all the plastering is tumbling
off. Have been home all day could not get out for rain. Have written to
Ella and reading. So put in the day. Thought it was a long one. Saw very
few on the Streets. Bed time. I have been reading & Squire listening.
So good night.
Monday 14
Morning dark and Still raining. Mr. Nuling was here to dinner. After
dinner went to P.O. with Ella’s letter and a Paper for Ruth. Have
finnished reading my books today. It is nine o’clock and Squire is out
yet. Have been feeling very down hearted all day. The band is playing in
the baptist church just now. Still looks like rain. Good night my little
diary.
Tuesday 15
Morning nice Sun Shining once more. Old Mr. Griswold called in this
morning looks quite bad. Has been sick. After dinner Scrubed out the
kitchen and this eve am feeling quite poorly. Head and back both aching.
Mr. & Mrs. Shaw called. Brought 3 lbs. Better. Mrs. Lions called to
See if I would help get up the Supper for Odd Fellows. I told her NO I
won’t be going. Feel bad So good night. Yes.
Wednesday 16
Quite a nice day. Squire put out his tomatoe plants and planted Sweet
corn. Was in bed all the forenoon. Mrs. Shaw called & wanted me to go
with her to Eason’s but could not go. Got up after 12 o’clock and got Some
dinner. Mrs. Connely called to See me She’s 75 years old. Mrs. Shaw caim
over to See me but I was up then. Gertie & Stella Herrington called
and gave me a May basket of flowers. Good night diary.
Thursday 17
Another rainy day rained all night. Oh! dear the mud. Am feeling Some
better, back still hurting me. Have been trying to get things Streightnd
little have had the rocking chair out in the kitchen rocking and thinking
how the poor gets along in this bad weather. Pa thinks he won’t put up
Shanty this Spring. Good night.
Friday 18
Another rainy day. Raind all last night. Everything looks So dismal. Pa
& I moved all the boxes and put them against the house. Have put in
lots of things. Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Eason called as they went to the store.
Loand them the umbrella. Mrs. Shaw caim over and I went down town with
her. I bought a bed Spread and chair trimming. Was looking at Some carpet.
Have been Sewing this eve. Good night.
Saturday 19
Cool all day. Wind in North. Am all alone. Squire gone to the Odd
Fellows got a letter & card from Ella. Squire bought a carpet 45 cts.
yd. Went to Mrs. Shaw’s with her glass jars. Met Mrs. Graves there. Mrs.
Shaw was painting her doors & making her carpet. I baked four pies and
cookeys. Finnished the Sleeves for my dress and have put it on. It is ten
o’clock. Squire will Soon be home. Good night my little diary.
Sunday 20
Cool all day and windy. Went no place but was at home all day. Wrote
two letters. One to Ed & one to Ella. Sent Ella’s to day and Ruth a
paper. Have fire in room this eve. Have been Singing Some of my Old
favourate hymns this eve. I think there will be frost to night. Pa has
covered the tomatoe plants. The new Presb. Minister peached today.
Monday 21
Quite a nice day. SunShine once more. Done a big washing a 3 weeks.
Took down curtains and washed them. Am very tired. Have been writing Some
to Ed. Frost last night and think there will be again to night. Hear the
band over at the church. Am sitting here with double Shawl on room is
cold. I am going to retire. So I will Say good night.
Tuesday 22
Not quite So pleasant to day, cloudy. Have taken up carpets and have
taken baseburner into dinning room. Mr. Avenell is painting & graining
the Sitting room. Had card from Ella & Sent her another. Sent Ed a
letter. Got pipe on the chimney. Went to Mrs. Shaw’s to See her room She
got papered. She & Mr. Shaw caim over. Pa is at the Odd Fellows Eating
Supper. I am all alone eating my little Supper. Good bye diary. Yes.
Wednesday 23
Morning cloudy. Mrs. Shaw & I went to Eason’s. Had a good time
there. Caim home in the rain. I had on Mrs. Eason’s waterproof cloak and
my double Shawl. Got a bad head ache after I got home. I think I have
taken cold. Got my feet damp crossing over the plowd lot. Must retire am
feeling miserable. There was a beautiful bright Rainbow this evening.
Thursday 24
Another rainy night go more Soft water. Got up feeling real bad. Head
is Still aching. Done a part of the ironing in fournoon. After dinner went
to bed a while but did not Sleep. Mrs. Keller called and was here till the
Supper bell had rung. Room graind will varnish it tomorrow. Am feeling
better this evening. Looks like rain. Got Mrs. Mit. letter.
Friday 25
Quite a nice day pleasant. Mrs. Shaw caim in and wanted me to go over
and fix her dress Sleeves. She is going to Mrs. Rice’s for tea. I went and
fixed her Sleeves them Sadie caim Mrs. Eason-when I caim home Mrs. Shaw
gave me Onions & beans. After dinner they caim over and I kept Mary
while they went to Store. House finnished. Have been making a crazy Block
out of Silk. Squire off to Masons & I am all alone as usual. Good bye.
Saturday 26
A little Summer like. Done a big days work cleaned bedroom took up the
carpet cleaned it & put it down. Moped the Sitting room and put down
the carpet all myself. Baked bread, irond Squire a Shirt. Cleaned the
floor in dinning room. Mrs. Hayward called. Mrs. Shaw called and borrowed
loaf bread. Am So tired can Scarcely get up when I am down. Squire go the
Screen doors put up. He has gone to Odd Fellows again. Good night.
Sunday 27
Day rather pleasant a little cool. Did not to go meeting. Gave Squire a
good washing & told him to go. He is not quite So tired as I am. After
he went to meeting I went t bed. Got up at twelve got dinner. The new
Conge. Minister preached his first Sermon here. Wrote to Ella. Mr. &
Mrs. Shaw caim home with us. She wanted to get Some yeast. Good night
diary.
Monday 28
Pleasant all day. Done another big days work. Washed, cleaned dinning
room & kitchen. Put down carpets. Done a little ironing filled Straw
into clean tick. Pa painted roof of kitchen to keep it from leaking. Look
as if it would rain to night. Am awful tired. Have been working hard for
Several days. Have not been t .O. for a week. Will try to get there
tomorrow. Good night. Am thinking of Ella.
Tuesday 29
Washed a tick and dress. Sweep up the rooms. Tried to put tick up on
Shelf but failed. Put it out in a box. Moved the pictures. Cleaned up the
closet and put the clothes in Order. Done a little ironing. Sprinkeld Pa’s
Shirts and the curtians. The day has been very pleasant. Not warm yet
warmer then has been. Am pretty tired again to night. Am thinking of my
darling girl. Good night.
Wednesday 30
A beautiful morning. How cheerful the room looked when I got up to See
the bright Sunlight. Ironed the curtains and Shirts. Put up curtains and
lumber grains. Mrs. Shaw & Mrs. Eason was here. Brought 3 lbs. Butter.
After dinner went to P.O. It was not open Decoration Day. Then went to
Mrs. Shaw’s. Cut out Pa’s chair cover. Went with Mrs. Shaw to prayer
Meeting to Mr. Graves. Good night. Thinking, Oh.
Thursday 31
Quite windy. Mr. & Mrs. Hurling caim just as I was eating dinner.
Was baking So I had no bread and had to make pancakes. Baked 2 pies. Went
to P.O. and got 2 letters from Ella, 1 from Lissa, and 1 from Mrs. Cook.
Sent Mrs. Mitchell, Ella, & Lissa a card. Kitchen very warm. Sweat
just droped off my face. Was real tired when I went to bed. And was
thinking of Ella.
June 1883
Friday June 1
Looks like rain. Sun very warm at 11 o’clock. After dinner Started for
Madason. Had a long ride of twenty-five miles. Got there at Six o’clock
just as it began to rain. Got Supper and then went to Masons to See the
ladys of the Star degree installed. Then had ice cream cake &
lemonade. Got to Hotel a little before twelve o’clock. Rain just poaring
was awful tired just then.
Saturday 2
Got up after Six o’clock the roads Standing in water. After breakfast
went to the lodge again and took the Star degree. My but it was nice. Went
to Hotel & go ready and Started home at eleven o’clock. Had an awful
cold ride through the wind. Got home at about four o’clock. As tired as we
could be and hungry besides. Pa is Sleeping now.
Sunday 3
A lovely Sabbath day. Went to baptist Church in morning. Head was
feeling badly. Mrs. Eason, baby, and Mr. Eason was here quite a while. Mr.
& Mrs. Shaw Stopt at door was going to take a ride & Stopt for
Mary. We went to baptist Meeting in evening. Wrote Ella a letter and Sent
it to P.O. Went to bed feeling real miserable. Good bye little diary.
Monday 4
Mrs. Shaw Sit out her cabbage today. Raining this morning. Got up
feeling real miserable. Finished covering Pa’s chair. Wrote a letter to
Addie & a card to Ella. Throat is very sore am going to take
Graffenburg Pills to night. Mr. & Mrs. Shaw caim over a while this
evening. Mr. Shaw had a big cough at me telling Mrs. Shaw about Something.
It is after ten o’clock. Good night.
Tuesday 5
Got up feeling quite miserable and been all day. Cough troubles me very
much. Lungs Sore and throat is too. Day pleasant onley cool. Done nothing
all day was in bed all afternoon feeling worse. Retired feeling very
unwell indeed. Am Still taking Graffenburg Pills. How my lungs pain.
Wednesday 6
When I got up the Sun was Shining lovely. Squire had get his own
breakfast. I coughd about an hour before I got up. Have not been feeling
So miserable as I did. Wrote Some out of the Ritual till my head began to
ache. Pa brought a very large Orange but it was not very good. Did not go
to P.O. feeling too bad. Oh! dear how I wish Ella was here with me just
now.
Thursday 7
Cold Still pretty bad. Went to P.O. got 2 cds. & 3 papers from
Ella. Stopt in at Mr. Graves and gave them the books. Wrote Ella a letter.
Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Eason was here a while had baby with them. In the evening
went to See Mrs. Griswold. She got her ankle Spraind. Mrs. G. gave me a
nice lot of pie plant. Reading papers till nearly 11 o’clock. Sneezing,
Sneezing.
Friday 8
Got up feeling miserable. Sun Shining lovely into our window. Sneezing
half the time So I don’t do much else. Got dinner. Am Sending Ella two
papers. Exponants. Pa had a letter from Ben Hall he is out at Abert Lea
and may be here next week. Mrs. Shaw caim over and I gave her a pair of
Sheers. There going fishing.
Saturday 9
Am feeling better today. Done a little baking. Have been writing in my
book. Went to P.O. got a letter from my darling boy Ed. How I should love
to See him this evening. Pa went to Odd Fellows but home early. Mr. Shaw
& Easons went fishing. Wanted Pa to go with them. It is late must
retire. So good night.
Sunday 10
Wrote a letter to Ella. Quite a nice day. Gave Squire a good Scouering
then he went to Church and I went to bed. Squire went down to depot last
night to meet Mrs. Galloway be She did not come. Afternoon went up to Mr.
Keller’s. He was sick and had to go to bed. Caim up a Shower while we was
there. Caim home and got tea and wanted Pa to go to Meeting with Me but he
would not. Good night.
Monday 11
Another nice Morning I go to washing as early as I could. Got done
before twelve then got Some dinner. Was awful tired. Cleaned up the Stove
and polished it. Put on my new dress, Calico. After tea went over to Mrs.
Shaw’s was out looking at the garden. Music in the baptist Church. Squire
is reading in the Ritual of the Eastern Star. Am very Sleepy. Good night.
Tuesday 12
Cool all day. Irond this morning. After dinner went to Mrs. Shaw’s was
helping Mrs. Eason Sewing. There for Supper. Mrs. Shaw gave me Some pie
plant. Commenst writing to Ed McConnell. Expect Some letters tomorrow. Pa
got me Some Apples for me to take my pills. Am Sitting here with Shawl on
it is So cool. Good night.
Wednesday 13
Quite a nice day. Squire got the pump fixed again. Went to P.O. with
Ed’s letter and go two letters & two cards. One from Josie Hall &
others from Ella. After dinner went over to Mrs. Shaw’s but was feeling So
bad did not Sew and caim home & wrote to Josie & went to P.O.
again. Am feeling bad. Still in my head and must retire. Good night.
Thursday 14
Awful Sick all day today. Could not be out of bed. Mrs. Shaw caim and
done my baking. Dear, good Soul that She is. Was Sick all night could not
rest at all and nearly fainted this morning when I first got up. This is
Thursday eve could not write last eve.
Friday 15
Mrs. Shaw caim over to See me this morning and caim again this
afternoon with little Mary. Am better yet feel weak and poorly enough. The
day has been warm and it looks this evening as if there would be a Storm.
Hope we won’t have a cyclone. Oh! these terrabel Storms. Sent Josie a card
this evening. It is thundering.
Saturday 16
A very warm day the warmest of the Season. Baked pies in the Oil Stove.
Pa was out in the garden early this morning before I was up. Am Still
feeling weak. Have been writing to my dear darling Ella. Hear the young
folkes in the baptist church. How they Sing and a big flye is Singing too.
Good night.
Sunday 17
Quite a nice day but did not go to Meeting was feeling rather poorly.
Wrote to Ella. Mrs. Lucas gave me both milk & cream for our dinner. In
afternoon Mr. & Mrs. Keller caim and Staid till evening. It rained
conciderable and they had to wait till it was over. Mrs. Eason ran over a
minute and I gave her a handful of radsash. Raining, good night.
Monday 18
Morning beautiful & bright. Am feeling pretty well this morning.
Birds are Singing & all Seems to be happy. Wrote to Lissa Hayward two
Sheets. Did not go to P.O. but Sent the letter. Am not So well this
evening. Head is dizzy. Have done very little to day. Knit Some at my
lace. Somehow can’t work. Feel So weak. Must wash tomorrow. Good night.
Tuesday 19
Another lovely day. Mr. Muse called this morning and asked us to the
festival. After dinner went over to Mrs. Shaw’s. She was just finished
washing when I caim home She gave me Some potatoes & pie plant. Had
Some Sause for Supper. Have been finishing Some work for Mrs. Eason. Mrs.
Lucas gave me a cup of cream for our caffe in the morning. Mr. & Mrs.
Johnson called but I won’t home.
Wednesday 20
Mrs. Lucas gave me Some Puding. Raining this morning. Thundered hard
this morning. Got up early this morning had caffe this morning with Some
of Mrs. Lucus’ good cream. Mrs. Shaw caim & got cabbage plants. Mended
Stockings all fournoon. Went to P.O. & got a letter from Peter & a
card from Ella. Wrote to Peter & Ella. Called in Mrs. Herrington’s
& Saw her Photo. It is after nine o’clock.
Thursday 21
Josie Hall was married this evening. Mrs. Shaw went out country quite
early. Mrs. Eason is Sick. I’m feeling sick all day myself. Was talking to
Mrs. Lucus over the fence quite a while till I began to feel chilly on my
back. The Good Templers have ice cream Sociable to night. Retire feeling
quite unwell. Good night diary.
Friday 22
My darling boy’s birthday. Have been baking a ham for the Supper. Baked
35 rolls for them. Head been aching all day. Had rice pudding for dinner.
After I through went to P.O. got a letter from Ella. She will Soon be out
to See us. O how glad I am. Went to Mason’s Supper had a midling good
time. Saw Several Strange ladys. W.M.H.I.C.L. L.L.O.S.B.
Saturday 23
It raind again this morning but was quite a nice day. Bake a few pies
in oil Stove. After dinner went to Mrs. Shaw’s. Took Mary Some cake I got
for her last night at the Mason’s Supper. Took Pa’s Shirt and Stitched in
the bosom. Was out looking at her garden. Caim home and finished Pa’s
shirt. He has gone to the Odd Fellows Lodge and I am all alone again. Bye,
bye.
Sunday 24
Sabbath of eternal rest. A very pleasant day. Sky clear. Squire went to
baptist meeting. I was reading in the Testiment and Staid at home all day.
Had Some fire in C. Stove all the fournoon. Hear Music over at Mr.
Herrington’s. Got ready to go to Church and had to go up to hotel after
Squire to take him with me. We went to baptist meeting. Not So many out as
Sometimes is. The night is quite pleasant. Good night.
Monday 25
Got up very early before five and began to wash. Got done and had
clothes out before eight o’clock. Cleaned up the house and then went out
into the garden and killed potatoe bugs till most twelve. Baked four loves
graham bread in Oil Stove. Was awful tired & laid down on couch and
took a Sleep. Got up with headache. Folded clothes and knit Some on the
lace. Good night diary.
Tuesday 26
Morning beautiful. Squire is feeling poorly this morning. Irond and
then fixed up the Camberquins under the looking glass. Got dinner. Gave
the Dr. a mess of lettice for his dinner. Afternoon went with Mrs. Shaw
out to Eason’s. Old Mr. & Mrs. Eason was there opening the room. Was
there for Supper. Caim home went to Mrs. Shaw’s and got Some flowers and
planted them. Pa helpt me.
Wednesday 27
Went over to Mrs. Shaw’s and was Sewing on her Machien. Sewing for Mrs.
Eason. Squire went out to Heuling’s in country. Mrs. Heuling had a
quilting. He was back home when I got home. Got a tumble out of the
rocking chair. Squire pusseth me over and I hurt my head & hip. Though
my feelings was hurt the most. Never mind.
Thursday 28
Another warm day am not feeling very well. Just got out of bed when
Mrs. Shaw drove up and want me to go out to country. I went but was
feeling pretty Sick. Mrs. Eason made me a cup of tea when I got there.
Caim home but could not get Squire’s Supper. Got letter from Josie but
could not write to day. Good night.
Friday 29
Sick all day in bed a part of the day. Wrote to Josie Hall Thomas.
Think I have taken cold over at Mrs. Shaw’s. Sitting all the afternoon in
the draft. Doors and windows all being open. The day has been very warm.
Heard there was a fire in town to day at Mr. Haywood’s. Was talking to
Mrs. Lucus over the garden fence. Good bye.
Saturday 30
Morning pleasant. Quite a breeze. Am feeling quite feable this Morning.
Am out of bread So must try to bake. Have baked bread an two pies made
custard for Supper. Mrs. Whitman called on me. Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Eason
was here a while. Am feeling Some better to night. Had Some lemonade for
Supper. Squire went to lodge but is home now. The day has been very warm.
July 1883
Sunday July 1
Am feeling feable this morning. Am going to read a Story, "The Broken
Wedding Ring". Mr. & Mrs. Shaw & baby caim over and Sit awhile in
the cool of the evening. The day has been very warm. Squire did not go to
Meeting. Am not Strong Still I mite have went and ought to go. But Oh!
dear. What a barrier. Hear the baptist Singing. Rock of ages cleft.
Monday 2
Ben Hall is married five years. Am feeling weak to day. The morning is
lovely a pleasant breeze from the South. It is now eve, half past 10
o’clock. Pa is not very well went to P.O. Sent Mrs. Cook letter &
Addie a card & paper. Stopt in Mrs. Lucus on my way home. Began to
feel better again am going to wash tomorrow if nothing preventing. Took
off flannels to day. Bye, bye.
Tuesday 3
Quite a fine day got up early to wash. Got done by ten o’clock and
irond in the afternoon. Was very tired. In the evening went to Mr.
Keller’s Store and got a drink of Soda water. Oh! dear the dirty Saloons
are full of drunken men. Could hear them making a great noise. Have been
reading the P.B. Globe. Am tired must retire.
Wednesday 4
Independence day. Was raining this morn. Went to P.O. Got a card from
Ella. She expects to Start tomorrow for Dell Rapids. Had a letter from
McHile. We are having chicken and potatoes for dinner. Have been writing
to my Adie boy this eve. Have made Spunge must bake tomorrow and do lots
of work. The Flags have been out Since it quit raining. I think there is
lots more drunken men to night.
Thursday 5
Cloudy in the morning. Began to rain in the evening. Have been very
bussey all day getting ready for Ella. Expect her this night at half past
one. Baked bread brisket, two pies, two custerd pies. Sweep up the rooms.
Irond Six Shirts besides Some other things. Mr. & Mrs. McMahne called
and I was not through with my work. Put Adie’s letter in P.O. Stopt in
Mrs. Lucus’ on my way home. Good night.
Friday 6
Quite cool after the rain. Got a card form Ella. She will be here next
week. Was at Mrs. Shaw’s. Got Some butter from Mrs. Eason. Mrs. Bean was
here all the evening. Squire & Mr. Bean went to Masonic lodge. After
they caim from Lodge made a cup of tea. Then we all went to depot. The
train was one hour behind and it was 3 o’clock when we got home. Mrs.
Bean’s daughter caim on train. Am as tired & disappointed as can be.
Saturday 7
Morning cool and cloudy. Am not feeling well and Oh! So Sad and lonely.
After dinner was feeling better and Squire caim up from depot with a
dispatch. Ella will be here to night. Mrs. Shaw caim over and we went down
town to get baby a hat. Did not get one but Mrs. S. got her a new bonnet.
Caim home and helpt her home. Then She gave me Some flower plants. Set
them out. Squire’s gone to Odd Fellows. All alone.
Sunday 8
Mrs. Elizabeth Hall’s birthday. Fifty-five years old. Went to depot
last night. Ella caim on the train half past one o’clock. Mr. & Mrs.
Shaw caim over in the evening. Had chicken for dinner. Squire gave me a
Silver dollar for birthday presant and Ella gave me a book. The Lucky
Misshap. Good night.
Monday 9
Morning cool but got warm in the afternoon. Ella went to Store. Got new
_____. Have been reading book. Don’t feel very well all day. Went to bed
and took a sleep. Pa is Sitting on the porch and Ella has gone to bed on
the couch and I am Sitting by the melodian writing in this little diary.
Good night.
Tuesday 10
Went to Keller’s got drink Soda water. Weather quite warm. Am not
feeling very well. Ella got her trunk this morning. Mrs. Grisswold Spent
the afternoon was here for tea. Carrie called. Ella got Supper but it was
quite plain. We had So little to get it with. Ella got herself a new light
calico dress at Haywood’s. We tried to Sew but it was So Stiff an needles
So large.
Wednesday 11
Another warm day. After dinner Ella & I went over to Mrs. Shaw’s.
Mrs. Eason caim while we was there. Ella was Sewing on her dress and I was
Sewing on Mr. Shaw’s Shirt. Caim home got Supper. Heard Hurling’s had
moved on their claim and Mr. Howard asked Pa if Charley could not get the
place to farm again. Good night.
Thursday 12
Washed and baked bread. Ella baked cake and helpt me wash. I put the
clothes just as it began to rain. I took them down and put them in the
tub. Pretty Soon it cleard up and I put them out. Got them dry and irond
Some them. After I go through went over to Shaw’s to get my glasses. Mr.
Shaw is Sick. Meet Mrs. Eason going for brandy. Another little Shower this
evening. Good eve.
Friday 13
Day rather warm. Ella and I took a walk out to the Dells. Found a bed
of caktus in full bloom. Caim home and planted them out. Miss Ida Graves
called on Ella. The Advents began their meeting last night. Mr. Keller
called to See Squire about going to the Masonic Lodge. Mrs. Shaw and I
went down town. Was Sick this evening. Good bye.
Saturday 14
Thunderd hard last night. Quite cool this Morning. Mr. & Mrs.
Huling was here for dinner. Ella was over to Shaw’s Sewing. Got her dress
finished and has it on. Went to bed after dinner and took a Sleep. Was
feeling tired. Ella and Carrie Griswold was in the preacher’s Tent. Squire
is going to Odd Fellows Lodge. Ella is reading on the porch.
Sunday 15
The day has been cool. Ella and I went to baptist Church. Mr. Muse
invited us to Stay for Sunday School but we did not Stay. Caim home got a
little dinner. In the evening caim up quite a wind and blew down the
preacher’s tent. They fixed it up and preached. Squire went to Presby.
Church & after it was out went to the tent meeting. Looks rainy.
Monday 16
Pa bought new Suite Clothes 22 dollars. Morning cool have just got up.
Squire is making a fire in Oil Stove. Ella is Still Sleeping. Frankie is
Singing on the porch. Mrs. Shaw Stopt. She was in her buggy going to
country. She caim in again. She went to funarel of Mr. Une’s child. Ella
went over done Some Stiching finished her Skirt. She went to Store got
Some lemons & had lemonade before retiring. Good night.
Tuesday 17
Got up Sick this morning. I heard clock Strike 445 and tell fell asleep
after vomiting. Went to washing though Ella done the most of it. The day
has been cool and pleasant. Had a pain in my head got a little cold
Standing out when we washed the clothes. Ella gota card from Ida Mony. To
night the tent preachers preached about the Red Dragon would like to go
but am feeling poorly.
Wednesday 18
Got up and went to ironing early. Pa made fire in cook Stove for I was
baking. Ella irond by Oil Stove. She went to P.O. got two letters. One
from Jo & one from Addie. Ella got one from Ed & card from Ruth. I
was making butter holes in Ella’s cashmere dress. Pa went to tent meeting.
It is pretty chilley and Pa put on his over-coat. A number was out to hear
the discourse. Good night.
Thursday 19
Morning pleasant. Rained in the night. Ella made cookeys while I went
to Mrs. Shaw’s for Pie Plant. I Staid So long that She was all through
when I got back. Ella went over to Mrs. S. took her a little blue berry
Pie & Some cookeys. She gave me Some more flower plants. She invited
us to tea but Pa did not want to go. Ida Graves & Miss Casey called on
Ella. Little Stella & Nellie Herrington called. Nothing more.
Friday 20
Went to tent meeting this Eve. Morning warm. Rained last night. Squire
is not very well this morning. In afternoon Mrs. Shaw caim in her buggy
and took Ella to country. When they caim back then She took me riding. We
went down to Mr. Morse Old place. I went home with Mrs. Shaw and went out
through the flowers when I caim home. Ella had gotten Supper over. Good
bye.
Saturday 21
Day has been quite warm. Done very little to day but bake bread. Mrs.
Adams called on me this afternoon. Ella has had a pain in her foot all
day. She got me a face rail to day. Don’t want her to Spend money on me.
Feel So bad this evening but will try to mot feel bad longer. I think I
hear distant thunder. Oh! these terrible Storms.
Sunday 22
Cloudy all day. Went in afternoon to tent meeting to hear Advent
preaching. After meeting went to Mrs. Shaw’s found Eason’s & Mrs. Dane
there. They went home and Mrs. Shaw and I went to See the garden. Caim
home and Ella & I went to Methodist Meeting. Pa went to Advent
Meeting. It was lightning all evening in the South east. More Storms.
Monday 23
Still cloudy and warm. Did not wash for fear of rain. Saw a lot of
gipseys going out of town. Have head ache. Ella’s pudding don’t Seem to
agree with me very well. Had green beans & potatoes from dinner along
with it. Ella is on the couch reading. Ida Graves called and wants Ella to
go fishing tomorrow. She made lemon cake and Prune Pie.
Tuesday 24
Squire Hall’s birthday. 71 years old. Ella and company Started at ten
minuts after eight o’clock. Caim back at dark. With no fish onley what
they had eaten. Mrs. Lucus had a young girl born at half past 11 o’clock
was there till four o’clock. Went over to Mrs. Shaw’s little Mary is Sick
with croop. Caim home after dark and went to See Mrs. Lucus. Caim home
twenty minutes of twelve.
Wednesday 25
Pretty warm day though there is a good breeze. Went over to See Mary.
Could not find any one and was just coming back when I meet Will Eason and
went back. Mrs. Shaw was in her garden gathering beans for dinner. Caim
home and Ella had dinner ready. Have written a card to Adie Bell McC. Ella
is fixing an Old dress.
Thursday 26
Day pretty warm yet a good breeze. Washed, Ella helped. Then I went
over to Shaw’s. Was there all the afternoon. Mrs. Eason was Sick. The
Advent Minister Called while I was there and left Some tracts. Mr. Shaw
gave him a boquet. Had intended going to tent Meeting but gave it up. Mrs.
Shaw & I went to Mrs. Wilson’s then to Haywood’s Store.
Friday 27
Got up and went over to Shaw’s. Mrs. Eason had a Son last night. Mrs.
Wilson caim and we done up the work. I gathered peas for dinner and
Shelled them. Irond Some and washed a little & helped get dinner. Then
washed dishes and Mrs. Wilson wiped them. Staid till five o’clock P.M.
Don’t feel very well this Eve. Can hear the Advent preacher.
Saturday 28
Pleasant day. Am not very well. Ella went to Mrs. Shaw’s. Has been gone
all day. Got letter from Mrs. Exley in Nebraska. Squire is one of the
pallbearers at Mrs. Harvy’s Funeral. Mr. Huling called to See him just as
they was crossing the bridge going. Have been taking a nap on couch and
now I feel So miserable.
Sunday 29
Raining this morning. Did not go to meeting till in the evening. Squire
& Dr. Parker went to country to See Mr. Schriver. Ella went over to
Shaw’s to See Mrs. Eason. I was to have went to dress the baby but it was
too wet for me. Had chicken for dinner. It was more bone then meat. We all
went to meeting at the tent and heard a good Sermon from Mathew.
Monday 30
Morning fine. Very heavy dew. Went over to See Mrs. Eason. Found them
pretty well. Sweep up the rooms. When I caim home Ella had dinner over.
Miss Lucas had been here for dinner. Ella & She took a walk in
afternoon and then Stopt at Mrs. Shaw’s got flowers. Squire got a ham of
meat. Had a terrible pain in my head & neck. Ella put on St. Jacob
Oil. Evening cool. Good night.
Tuesday 31
Morning beautiful & bright. Am better of that pain. Ella has gone
to get her dress fit. The last day of July. How fast time flyes. Summer
will Soon be gone. After dinner Ella & I went down the R.R. to See the
Dells. Walked over the bridge and caim down on the other Side of the
Sioux. Saw Some grand Sights indeed. Caim close to the cows. One old cow
looked at us So long that we got a little Scared. Got in the river with
one boot crossing.
August 1883
Wednesday August 1
Got up Some earlier and got to washing. Ella baked cake, baked brisket,
and one custerd. Pie for tea expect company. Got most of clothes irond.
Has been raining but the Sun is Shining now. The two Ministers was here
for tea. Went to meeting in the evening. Ella had two calls. Mrs. Keller,
Mrs. Crossmen & Miss Nesbet. Ella went to See Mrs. Shaw this evening
and caim home after I went to meeting.
Thursday 2
Morning cool with heavy dew. Had cucumbers for dinner. Ella was at Mrs.
Shaw’s Sewing on her white dress. I eat dinner all alone. Pa was gone down
to lumber yard. Had an awful pain in my head for a while to day. Went over
to Mrs. Shaw’s & irond Some for her. She gave me Some beans, white.
Caim home & got my Supper. Pa & Ella had eaten. Mrs. Shaw &
Mary caim a little ways with me.
Friday 3
Ella got her Some new Shoes. Morning cool had two ministers for dinner.
Mr. McMahen and the Advent preacher. Had Pie Pudding, beans, potatoes,
beefstake, tea & coffee, bread & butter. Ella went to Mrs. Shaw’s
to get four Pie Plates. In afternoon finished Mrs. Vanduzer’s letter and
Ella took it to office. Then went to bed and took a nap and rather rested.
Went to the tent meeting. Squire and I caim up a Shower while thare. Sky
clear when we caim home.
Saturday 4
Another cool Morning. Was dreaming of Adie last night. I thought I
asked him to buy me a bird cage thought I had another bird but he told me
he would not buy one. I thought Ed looked So thin. Ella called on Nellie
Rice and One Eason. Had on her white dress. Ella Blackman was in the
church Singing. I called to See Mrs. Lucus took her a boquet. Good bye.
Sunday 5
Squire put on his new clothes. Morning pleasant went to M.E. Church to
hear Mr. Shelton preach. Pa, Ella, & myself all Sit in one Seat. Ella
in the middle. Caim home & got dinner. In afternoon went to tent
Meeting & Ella went to Shaw’s and Staid with Mrs. Eason while Mrs.
Shaw went to Meeting in Eve. Pa & I went to tent meeting in eve to
hear of the Beast in Revilations. Saw Prof. Une there & Some from
country. Meet Ella as we was going home. Will Eason caim to the corner of
Lucus’ lot.
Monday 6
Morning cool had quite a rain last night and going to rain more before
long. Am Still wondering if I will hear from my dear darling Ed. Oh! I
wish he would not be So long writing. Ella is having a good time out here
in Dakota going to P.O. and Dells. She had on her new white dress
yesterday. Frankie’s loosing his feather poor little fellow. Good bye for
I can’t think what to write this is Wednesday eve.
Tuesday 7
Cloudy in morning had a heavy rain. Thundered very hard. Ella & I
went over to Mrs. Shaw’s. Will Eason brought me Some butter and Pa caim in
pretty Soon with a tree gallen jar full. So I took it back home what Eason
brought me. Found Mrs. Eason Sitting up. Eating bread & butter. Would
like to have went to the tent meeting but it was too damp for me to Sit in
the tent. Hoping I can go next night. Good night.
Wednesday 8
Got up pretty early. Squire went to Sioux Falls with Mr. Graves. Ella
& I washed and She baked Some cookeys. Got a letter from Addie &
two papers. Ella got two letters from Ruth. The other from Ida. After
dinner She went to Mrs. Hager’s to get flowers to Make a wreath for the
dead. Mrs. Shaw caim in a moment to See Ella. Ella has gone over. Am very
tired this evening. Squire won’t be home till late.
Thursday 9
Got Some earlier. Ella went to Shaw’s to make that flower cross. Mrs.
Shaw Stopt for me to go to funarel but I did not go. Old Grandma Conklen
caim over & Sit awhile after Supper. Mrs. Herrington & I went over
to Mrs. Shaw’s. Staid till dark. Got a letter from Mrs. Cook. Am making
another Log cabin Quilt. Gertie, Stella, & Nellie H. caim to see Ella.
Little diary. Good night.
Friday 10
Am not very well. Baked bread & Ella ironed. Afternoon went to
Shaw’s, two girls called to See her. Went to Shaw’s. Mrs. S. & little
Mary caim over. Poor little Mary. Got fast in the Old Chair and we had
quite a time getting her out of it. Ella and I went to the tent meeting. A
good Sermon. Musquetoes very bad. Ella got very nervous before meeting was
out. Caim home & found Squire Sitting at the door.
Saturday 11
Lightning Struck Pearce’s House. Raining hard this morning. Oh! Such
thunder I never heard for a long time. Has been raining mist all day. Have
been working at my quilt. Made 3 blocks. Squire has put a plaster on his
back. I went out in mud & got Some potatoes for Supper. The night is
going to be very dark. Went to tent meeting all alone. Ella Staid at home.
Squire went to Odd Fellows.
Sunday 12
Squire wrote to Charley Hayward. Day has been cool after the big rain
yesterday. Squire went to Presbyterian Church in afternoon. Went to tent
Meeting. After meeting went to See Mrs. Eason. Mrs. Shaw and I went in the
garden. Stopt to See the new Church. Meet Mr. & Mrs. Thorn just at
Church. Caim home & eat out Supper. Ella had eaten hers. Night is cool
enough for frost. Good night little diary.
Monday 13
Raining & very bad weather for the poor farmers. Ella went over to
Mrs. Herrington’s to teach Stella how to make lace. She went to Mrs.
Haywood’s to get a hook. She playd for Stella & Nellie. Am in a big
hurry to finish the quilt. Mrs. Potter has a Surprised party this evening.
Still keeps drizling rain. Went out & got potatoes while it was just
beginning. Don’t feel very well.
Tuesday 14
Rained again last night and thundered but I did not hear it. Ella got
up this morning & got breakfast. She was teaching Stella H. to make
lace. After dinner she went to Mrs. Shaw’s. Mrs. Shaw caim over to get
Some dyeing Stuff to color a Shawl. I was getting paches out of the old
box. Sitting on the bread jar. Look much like rain. Did not go to tent
meeting. Good bye.
Wednesday 15
Did not rain to day. Was very fogy this morning. Ella was at Mrs.
Shaw’s all day working on a dress. Made four blocks in quilt, baked bread,
went out and pulled weeds in the tomatoe bed. Don’t feel very well. So did
not go to tent meeting as had thought of doing. Squire went hunting but
got nothing. I eat Supper all alone. Then Ella caim. Pa caim at dark. Good
night. Ella got Mr. Van’s letter & Ada B.
Thursday 16
A very warm day. Nearley melted. Mrs. Eason was here for dinner. Mrs.
Huntington was in with her two babys. Mrs. Johnson was in with her fat
baby. Mr. Shaw took Mrs. Eason home. Her babe is 3 weeks old to night.
Mrs. Griswold called in a while this evening. Dr. Lucus was in to day.
Lots of callers. Ella & I went to tent meeting. She caim home before
it was out. Good bye.
Friday 17
Raining again this morning but cleared off before noon. In the
afternoon Ella, Stella, & Nellie Herrington took a walk up the R.R.
She put a cake in the oil Stove to bake. I went to See Mrs. Lucus and let
it burn. Had two callers while I was gone. Mrs. Folesome & Mrs.
Tresedder, . A big storm passed over us to night. Think there was hail.
Squire has gone to Masons this eve.
Saturday 18
The day was quite pleasant. Wrote a letter to Lissa Hayward. Ella and
the little Herrington girls, Gertie, Stella, & Nellie went to the
Dells. Took lunch with them. Ella brought home some green plumbs &
grapes. They was not fit to eat. So I threw them outdoors. I went to tent
meeting and Squire went to Masonic Lodge. Saw Mrs. Lucus on the Street
this evening for the first time for Several weeks.
Sunday 19
Had Green corn for dinner. Wrote to Maggie C. Morning quite cool &
pleasant and quite windy. Don’t feel as if I cared to go to meeting. Ella
is dressed up in her black dress but won’t go unless She changes her mind.
Washed off Squire’s back and now he has gone down town. Jerry Law caim
today to get Squire’s gun to go hunting. Pretty work on the Sabbath. Went
to the M.E. Church heard brother Wite for the last time. Mr. Une Spoke
quite a while. Squire was thare too but did not go together.
Monday 20
A pleasant day. We washed. Made a glass of pie plant Jell. Ella cooked
his prarie chickens & then he was not here to eat them. He had gone to
the country. The tent preacher has gone. Tent pulled down. Made four
blocks of quilt to day. Have folded the clothes. Ella and the little
Herrington girls are out walking. I am tired and have a pain in head. A
very windy day & hot also.
Tuesday 21
Was feeling real bad all day with my head. Baked and done Some ironing.
Mr. White called to take Ella to the country. She was in the bath tub when
he caim. She was Soon ready. Put on her white dress. Mr. & Mrs.
Fresseden called to See Ella about joining the Good Templers. They caim
for her at nine o’clock and got back nearly eleven. Heard three boys at
the corner of our house talking about their girls.
Wednesday 22
Was real Sick this morning. Drank Some tea and went to bed. Felt better
when I got up. I got dinner. We had cabbage, cucumbers, & corn.
Dressed and went to Mrs. Griswold’s. Then we went to Mrs. Wilson’s and
Mrs. Huntington’s. Caim home and found Ella gone and Pa was fast asleep on
the couch. Sent Mrs. Sultsabarger a letter. Ella is playing on the
Melodian & Stella Herrington Singing.
Thursday 23
Peter’s birthday. He is 29 years old. Morning beautiful. Squire Sayd
there was frost this morning. Heard a big cyclone in Rochester Minisota
Tuesday. Ella took a walk on R.R. Saw two Snakes. Mrs. Eason & Mrs.
Shaw was here. Got tea for them but they eat at Grave’s. Ella went to the
Soceabel along with Preacher Wite & Ida Graves. He has her Picture. He
left last night.
Friday 24
Has been a pleasant day. Finished Ella’s quilt. Squire is putting up a
coal house at the upper end of the garden. I was up and helped him to
[unreadable] the posts. Am better of pain in my neck. Went to bed after
dinner and took a Sleep. Ella is reading. Oh! this miserabel ink. Good
night.
Saturday 25
Quite a pleasant day. Done very little work to day. Mrs. Une called on
me. Mrs. Griswold called. Mr. Ranals & Mr. Herrington called. Miss Ida
Graves called. Squire has gone to Odd Fellows lodge. Thought we was going
to have a big Storm to day. Ella was over to Mrs. Herrington’s quite a
long time. Singing in the baptist church.
Sunday 26
Another beautiful day. Went twice to Presbyterian Church. Morn &
evening. Squire went in the Morning but would not go in the evening. I Sit
with Grandma Connelly & Mrs. Shaw. I began a letter to Mrs. Exley.
Ella and Some others took a walk to the Dells. Mrs. Eason caim over to
have Ella go home with her. Mr. Smith took Squire a riding.
Monday 27
Ella had a letter from Ruth. Another nice day. Ella went with Shaw’s to
country. Out to Eason’s. Washed & baked and am as tired as can be.
Squire got a letter to day from C. Hayward. He wants to come back to
Dakota. Am alone. Was writing Addie. Must retire for I am very tired. The
house is quiet. No Ella here to night. Sleep on couch.
Tuesday 28
Day pleasant. Irond in the Morning. Squire sent C. Hayward a letter. I
put a few lines to Lissa. Ida Graves called to See Ella but She had not
gotten home. Finished Mrs. Exley’s letter and am writing to Addie. Squire
bought himself Some drawers. Priced fifty cts a peace. Squire is out
Someplace. Good bye.
Wednesday 29
A little Stormy this morning. Thundered hard before daylight but did
not rain. Much quite cool to have no fire. Had to change my Shoes my feet
was So cold. Gethud Some flowers and took them over to Mrs. Herrington.
Went to P.O. got a letter from Lissa. Mrs. Shaw called in a Moment they
was going to country. Sent Addie and Mrs. Exley a letter. Good bye.
Thursday 30
Ella not back yet. Day pleasant. Had prairie chicken for dinner. Miss
Fick & her brother, both from Madison called as we was eating. So we
had to entertain them till they left. As we was eating again Mrs. Griswold
caim for me to go calling. We went to Mrs. Johnson’s & Mrs. Rice. In
the evening Mrs. Bywater called to See Ella. She was on her way home to
Iowa.
Friday 31
Looks very much today like rain. Squire made a big fire in C. Stove to
get breakfast. So I made a Molasses Cake. Put it in the Stove & then
went to gather cucumbers. Found another double cucumber. Tis 10 o’clock AM
& begins to thunder. Ella caim home. Mrs. Eason caim in. Ella got
letter form Joe H. Ella went walking with Herrington’s little girls.
September 1883
Saturday September 1
Not Sun up yet & I am up. I was up before five o’clock AM. Could
not Sleep have Such a cold & Sore throat. It is lightning in the east.
Have got the caffe boiling on the Oil Stove. Summer gone. James Hall, Mrs.
Keller, and Mrs. Eason called. Ella & Ida Graves ware out walking.
Charles R. called in eve. Squire went to Lodge. I am knitting lace for
Ruth. Ella has a toothache.
Sunday 2
Morning very fine. Did not go to meeting till the afternoon. Went to
the baptist Church to hear the Advent Minister on baptism. Shook hands
with Mrs. Morse, Lovell, & Mrs. Blackman. Caim home found Ella &
Mr. Randalls gone walking. Went again in evening to the baptist Church to
hear a harvest Home Sermon. It was a very poor thing. Ella & R. went
to M.E.
Monday 3
Get up earley. Squire went to Sioux Falls. We washed & baked bread,
two pies, and one custerd. Ella irond while the bread was baking. Lauzer
Hall called to See Squire but he has not gotten home yet. It is eight
o’clock & have not eaten my Supper yet. Ella is brushing her hair. I
Struck my head So hard on the hanging lamp that I put it out. Not the
Stroke. Good night.
Tuesday 4
Quite cool all day and tonight feels as if there would be frost. Mrs.
Shaw called. Mr. Hayward was here too. Ida Graves called for Ella to go
walking. I went into See Mrs. Lucus. Squire got his hard coal today &
He had it put in his coal house. Ella had a letter from Ruth. My feet is
So cold have put on thick Shoes. Have been out covering up tomatoes &
flowers.
Wednesday 5
Squire went out to See his farm. Went on horse back. We would like to
have went along. Got a letter from cousin Thomas Meadville and Sent him an
answer. Went in garden and got Some potatoes for dinner. Gatherd the
cucumbers. Ella went through them again & got Some more. Wrote a Song
off for Hall. Ella & I was at tea when Squire caim.
Thursday 6
Quite a Shower this morning. Thundered hard. Was feeling so weak &
bad this morning that I made a cup of tea before breakfast. Then Ella got
up and helpt me. Baked bread and Ella irond Some Shirts for Squire Hall.
Am so miserable all day. Don’t know what to do with my Self. Good night my
little diary.
Friday 7
Not very well to day. Got a letter form Lizzie Porter and have begun to
write to her. It has been So long Since we heard from them. James Hall was
in to day playing on the Melodian. Ella went and called on Mrs. Keller and
Mrs. Wilson. We are going to have a big frost to night. Heard poor Ella B.
Singing out by the baptist church.
Saturday 8
A big frost last night. Cold all day. Had to keep up fire all day. Have
been writing a long letter to Lizzie Carter. Jennie Parker called on Ella.
Ida Graves caim in for Ella to go walking. Squire gone to lodge again. Was
out covering up vines. Ella has toothache. Saw poor Blackman girl dancing
on Side walk.
Sunday 9
Cool but no frost as we expected. No one went to Church from this house
except Ella. She went with Ida Graves to baptist Church morning and
evening. James Hall was in this morning. Squire Spent most of the day at
Hotel and was there till eleven o’clock at night. He got three letters.
One from Mr. VanSant. One about Sending Some appels from Mo. The other
about the coal. Sent E.C. letter.
Monday 10
Day warm and windy. Have been knitting on the lace. Ella is fixing over
her dress. Squire Sent to Mo. For those appels. Ella is over to Ida Graves
house. Was up in the garden looking at tomatoes. They will not ripen. I am
thinking they are So green. Am not well at all. Don’t care to do anything
much. Today fair begins at Sioux Falls. Yet, I cannot get to go down.
Tuesday 11
Quite warm and windy. Had company all day. Mr. & Mrs. Shaw, Mr.
& Mrs. Eason. Went over to Mrs. Shaw’s with her and was looking at the
picture of Dell Rapids. Ella has gone to the curcus with Ida Graves &
Mr. Ervin. Baked bread had apple pie for dinner. Am feeling real miserable
these Several days. Good night!
Wednesday 12
Quite pleasant all day. Wind blowing Some. No company to day except
James Hall. Ella Sewing a few pieces for him. We had apple cobbler for
dinner. Ella has headache. I have been Sewing on quilt this afternoon.
Squire bought a watermelon for 25 cts. Am going to preserve the rines. Tis
getting cloudy this evening. Ella & Ida Graves have gone to Keller’s
to Spend the evening. Good bye.
Sept. 12th, 1883. Bell at baptist church just ringing. Ella & Ida
Graves gone out to Spend the evening. Am So Sad & lonely this day. Am
thinking of loved ones So far away and wish I was with them once more.
Ella will Soon leave me and return to Winona, Minn. I can realize now how
Sad the parting will be. None but a mother knows.
Thursday 13
Cloudy all day and warm. Have not been feeling well. Have finished the
quilt. Ella went to have her teeth pulled out but backed out. Had our last
mess of green corn to day and Squire has pulled up all the Stalks. Ida
Graves called into See Ella but Ella was gone to Mrs. Herrington’s.
Baptists are fixing up the Church to have an entertainment by tomorrow
night. Good bye.
Friday 14
Another lovely day. Have been making a few preserves out of Melons.
Ella had a letter from Ruth and wants her to come home rite away. She and
Ida Graves took a walk to the Dells this afternoon. Squire had a letter
from C. Hayword. Old Grandma Connely caim in and Sit awhile. When She went
home I have her a few flowers. We did not go to the festival. Good night.
Saturday 15
Raind this fournoon but cleard off at noon. We washed Ella’s clothes.
She had a letter from Ruth & they want her to come home. Got clothes
dry by evening. Ella baked a ginger cake. Ella & Ida Graves took
another walk. Stella H. caim over to get a tomatoe for Nellie. She is
Sick. I gave her a little pail full. Found a hair Snake & put it in
watter bottle. Good night.
Sunday 16
Looking at northran lights. Morning cool. Sky clear. Squire, Ella,
& I all went to the Dells. Went about 2 miles. Saw 3 Snakes and
people. Was very tired when I got back home. We got dinner. Before dishes
was washed we had company. Mr. & Mrs. Shaw, Mr. & Mrs. Eason, and
Ida Graves. We had Some Singing. Mr. S. wrote in Ella’s album. We did not
go to meeting. Ella has toothache. Good night.
Monday 17
Got up early and got breakfast. Squire and Ella went to country. Caim
home by noon. I baked & colord Ella’s Shawl and Some ribbins. Ella got
Some teeth out. Took Cliforme. Dr. Parker done the job. Mr. Keller was
here hold the clorephorm. Mr. James Hall &Mrs. Keller called this
morning. Done a big ironing. All Ella’s clothes. Ida Graves has just gone
home. Ella got a big pumpkin in country. Good bye.
Tuesday 18
Coverd Ella’s trunk with Musline. Nearly midnight. Ella is going to
Start to night at 130 for Winona and I am going to depot with her. Mrs.
Keller, Mrs. Herrington, and her 3 girls all called on Ella. Also Ida
Graves to bid her good bye. Ella baked a fig cake & Some Punk Pies.
Dear Ella is trying to Sleep. Will make her a cup of tea before She goes.
Farewell my dear Ella till we meet again.
Wednesday 19
Oh! what a gloomy house. Ella is not here and I am So Sad and lonely
now Since She is gone. It Seems Sometimes as if my heart would break. How
Sad it is to part from those we love most & best. It seems to me that
we will never meet again here on this earth. Yet trust that we will meet
where partings never takes place. Mrs. Lucus caim in and Sit an hour with
me this evening. Good night.
Thursday 20
Another Sad and lonely day. Ella is at her journey end by this time.
Mrs. Griswold ciam and Spent the afternoon with me. Gave her Some of
Ella’s fig cake to take home. Am reading Little Pansy to pass away the
time. Squire rode out to his farm on horseback. Little Stella & Nellie
caim in to See me and Show me their quilt. Good bye.
Friday 21
Morning dreadful. Raining & blowing the worst we have had for Some
time. Oh! how very gloomy it is here. Have just finished reading Pansey.
Ten minits after one o’clock PM. Must get up and get Some dinner. It is
eve now & tea is over & all alone I am. The winds gone down but is
Still raining. Very lonely it Seems to me. The Sun Shine all gone.
Saturday 22
Joyce E. D. McConnell’s birthday. 23 yrs. old. Am very much
disappointed. Went to P.O. but got no letter from Ella or Adie. The day
has been pleasant only it is very mudy. Am So very Sad & lonely. Am
trying to work but can’t accomplish much. Squire will be gong to lodge to
night if he don’t forget it. Salt rising. Breads not baked yet.
Sunday 23
Along day to me. Did not go to meeting. Has been drizling rain. Washed
Squire’s back and then he did not go to meeting after dinner. He & Dr.
Parker went out to See Mr. Shiver. Wrote a letter to Ella & Sent her a
Exponand. Got on my hat to go over to Shaw’s but gave it up. Temparance
meeting at B. church. A fellow caim in tonight off a notice to hand Rv.
Adams.
Monday 24
Got up early and made a fire and got to washing. Mrs. Eason called then
had two other callers was here to dinner. Flora & I went in garden
& gatherd her a sack of green tomatoes. Got through washing about four
o’clock. Mrs. Lucus invited us over to tea but I was too tired. Went to
Mrs. Herrington’s a few minits. Got a card from Ella. She got home all
right. 8 o’clock PM. Got Sack flower.
Tuesday 25
A very lovely day. A big frost last night. Have gathered Some green
tomatoes and gave Mrs. Herrington Some. Had corn for dinner but it was too
old. We could not eat it. Put it in the pig feed. Done nothing all
afternoon. One week to night Since Ella left me and Shall I ever See her
again. Oh! I feel terrable without her but Such is life. Just moulded
bread. Good bye.
Dear Ella! Am thinking of you with a Sad heart and a tear in my eye.
One week has rolled around Since we parted. Oh! the pain at parting from
loved ones. Oh I hope you are contented & happy to night and think of
me. Oh! had I the wings So like a dove I would fly to the mansiouns above.
The home of the poor & blest.
Wednesday 26
Got up early and done my baking and ironing. Got all through before
dinner. After dinner went to P.O. Got a letter from Ella. Took it and went
to Mrs. Shaw’s. Squire caim & we was there for tea. Mrs. Shaw and I
went down town to Mrs. Hager’s to See about her dress. Stopt in Brossmen’s
Store meet Mrs. Wilson there. Then Stopt in Grave’s Store. Caim home wrote
letter to Ella.
Thursday 27
Day very much like the Indian Summer. Made the carpet this afternoon.
This afternoon cleaned up the room and put it down. Got papers & put
over the old carpet. Done it all myself and I am very, very tired to
night. Pa put Ella’s letter in Office. Mrs. Griswold called before me had
out tea. Got 50 cts. for tomatoes. Saw Mrs. Shaw & folks on St.
Friday 28
Have been busy all day. This morning made punken Pie & gingercake.
Cleaned up the pantry & put in clean paper. After dinner put twelve
quarts of tomatoes. Am just as tired as can be. Intended going over to
Mrs. Shaw’s but am So very tired. Pa dug the potatoes to day. The night is
cool & dark. Squire is Starting off to Hotel and it’s bed time.
Saturday 29
Was out in country. Mrs. Shaw caim over to See if I did not want to go.
We went in a wagon. We had lots of music with 3 babys and pair of twins.
Had a Jolly time coming home. It was dark when we Started for home. Mrs.
Shaw thought this was her birthday but it is tomorrow. Was helping to Sew
for those babys. Squire is gone.
Sunday 30
Nearly Sundown. Have been home all day. Sitting around the Stove. There
was a big freeze last night. Our tomatoes all froze. Wrote a letter to
Ella and Pa took it to office. The day has been very long to me. I Suppose
it’s because I did not go to meeting. Have been reading in my old diary
1882. A woman preached in Baptist church this eve.
Sunday evening the last day of Sept. 1883. Have been feeling lonely all
day. No one to talk to. Squire is gone most of the time. Ella will Soon be
gone two weeks and how lonely it is. Hoping She is feeling better than I
am ever Since She left me. Oh! the world does Seem So gloomy without Ella.
October 1883
Monday October 1
A Smoky day and rather cool. Cut up a jar of tomatoes for pickels and
took up my flower roots. Made a corn Starch pudding for Squire’s dinner.
After dinner cook potatoes and made Spung then went to Mrs. Keller’s and
then to Mrs. Shaw’s. Caim home brought in plants. Got tea then Squire
Started off and I Sit down & Knit lace.
Tuesday 2
Have been busy all day. Cleaned up Stove black and pipe. Took up
carpet. Baked bread, fixed the pickels and done with work after Supper.
Went to P.O. got two letters. One from Ella the other from Addie. Sent
Ella a Exponant. Pa is out & I have been writing. Fire is all out and
I am cold.
Wednesday 3
Darling Ruby’s birthday. She is three yrs. old. Squire went out to his
farm. I cleaned the dining room and put down carpet. Finnished Addie’s
letter and took it to office. Also a card to Ella. Squire caim home early
and in the eve went over to Mrs. Shaw’s was there till ten o’clock. She
gave me Some milk.
Thursday 4
Got up quite Sick and have been all day. Head aching bad. Cleaned up
the cupboard but could not clean kitchen. Am feeling to Sick. Pa got the
crackes plasterd up and put up the Stove pipe. Has been drizling rain this
afternoon. Hope I can make a finish tomorrow of cleaning house. Good
night.
Friday 5
Quite a nice day. Cleaned up kitchen and put down carpet in afternoon.
Went over to Mrs. Shaw’s. Little Mary was Sick & they Sent after me.
Dr. Parker called and told me. Irond Some clothes for baby on the floor.
Caim home in the evening and got Supper. Mr. Scriber died last night. Pa
was out there to day.
Saturday 6
A lovely day just like Summer day. Baked two custard pies & rice
pudding. In afternoon Mrs. Herrington and I went calling. Made "ten
calls". Caim home tired and eat a cold Supper. Squire has gone to lodge.
Have been just writing a few lines to Ella. Got a big lot of papers out of
office. Must read some in them to night.
Saturday morning warm & pleasant can hear the wind a very little.
Feel lonely when I think how far I am away from those I love most &
best. I wonder if my loved ones are thinking of me. I know one is for She
always thinks of me. My dear Ella.
Sunday 7
Gave Squire a "wash off". After dinner he went to the funeral and I had
to Stay at home. I Sit and looked at the prosesion coming throught the
bridge. Have written to Ella telling her how lonely I feel. In the evening
we went to Presbyterian Church. Sit in the Seat with Mr. & Mrs.
Griswold. The Edition’s father and mother. It was lightning in the east
when we went.
Monday 8
Got up just midling earley. Put on boiler. Had two week washing. Got
through by half past one. Washed a wosterd quilt. Cleand up the kitchen.
Mrs. Griswold called before I had taken off my "wash dress". She brought
home a book I loaned her. We quit getting milk of Lucus’ it was getting So
poor. Was Sour this morning. Will get of Mrs. Shaw one in a while.
Tuesday 9
Quite a nice day. Baking to day but the bread is long coming up. Got a
very Short letter from Ella. Went to Mrs. Shaw’s in afternoon. Mrs.
Blackman was there. Mrs. S. gave me a pail of milk and a cup of cream.
Caim home and Pa made fire and then I baked and ironed. Have rather poor
bread I think. Don’t feel So very well. G. Night.
Wednesday 10
Squire went out to See his farm and walked home with a lot of ducks in
his hand. Gertie & Stella H. caim over to let me read Ella’s letter.
Put a letter in P.O. for her. Meet Ida G. and She told me She had got one
from her. Have been trying to finish Ruth’s lace today. Think I will
tomorrow. It has been cool all day. I have Sit by the Stove.
Thursday 11
Drizzling rain. Picked those five ducks. Cooked two for dinner. Mrs.
Griswold and Mrs. Way called and wanted me to go to Lucus’ to the Sewing
Society but I did not go. Finnished Ruth’s lace in evening went to Mrs.
Shaw’s to get milk. Took her two of the ducks. Caim home and got Supper.
Have been reading. Snowed to day. Squire is retiring. Good bye.
Friday 12
James McConnell’s birthday. He is 33 yrs. old. Cool all day. Sit rite
by the cook Stove. Got two letters from Ella & one from E. Carter.
Sent Ruth lace, Ella letter and paper. Squire took up beets & cabbage.
Have been cutting out peaces for another quilt and tearing carpet rags at
the Same time. Cooked a duck & gave it to the dog. Squire gone to
Mason Lodge. Good bye little diary.
Saturday 13
Morning warm. Was Some cloudy but is clearing off. Am baking again. It
is ten o’clock AM. Have Sit down to rest awhile my back is tired. Saw poor
Ella B. on the Street this morning. Must get up & finish up my work.
Good bye. Squire bought Some wood. Had Splended bread "9 loaves". Cut up
Ella’s linin duster and made 2 aprons. Went to Shaw’s for milk. Held baby
t fire to get warm it quit crying. Alone.
Sunday 14
Wrote to Adie McConnell. Another baby born to day. A lonely day and not
much Sun Shine to day. Gave Squire a good washing again. He was talking of
going out to country but did not go. He has written to C. Hayward in Mo.
Look like rain or Snow. Had cabbage for our dinner. Some with cream and
Some cook. Had tomatoes and cream & Sugar. Mrs. Shaw caim over with
Mary. Mr. Shaw &Sattie went to church.
Monday 15
Morning bright. A little windy. Have finished my apron and have been
heming towels made out of a Sack. After dinner have been cutting carpet
rags. Almost forgot Adie’s letter. Must go to office before the office is
closed. Squire went to over and got Will Eason to cut his ham. Took up
[unreadable] and wraped them up in paper. Got a jar to make crout in
tomorrow. Good bye.
Tuesday 16
Got up early. Squire went to country. Went to Shaw’s for the milk. Mrs.
Shaw had just got up. Will just caim out of bed. Stopt till the cow was
milked. Caim home and begun to cut cabbage. Made a five gallon jar full.
Squire got back before twelve. Got dinner and finished my job. Squire got
flannel box drawers 1.50 per yd. Have begun on one pair. Must retire.
Wednesday 17
Raining and blowing at a fearful rate. Am going to finish Pa’s drawers.
Mr. Shaw caim in and talked awhile to Pa. I gave him a Sample of flannel
to let Mrs. Shaw See it. Went to office & got 2 letters one from Ella
the other from Mrs. Cook. Have begun to write her one of those long
letters. Put in on to day for Ella. Read Maggie’s letter to Pa. Still
raining.
October Seventeenth. A very disagreable morning have finished up
mornings work and am Sitting by the window looking out on the dreary
ground brown and faided. How Swiftly the Summer has passed it Seems but a
few days Since the trees ware green and now they are Stript of all. Autum
always in years gon by been the pleasantest Season of the year. I loved to
go out and See the falling leaves and gather them up. My life has been but
a withered leaf. Seemingley for it has been a Sad life always but I am
verging on to another. Went pretty fast. O is there room in heaven for
Such as I. When Christ comes the Second time to gather his randsom home.
Who will there be in that number. All that have loved and honored him with
a true heart. Oh let us be faithful unto the end. Wether the blast and
land at last Safe on the evergreen Shore. Nearer my God to thee nearer me
to thee. End thought be a cross that ransom.
Thursday 18
Put letter in office for M. Cook. Morning beautiful Pa went to country
got his own breakfast had 3 eggs. Sattie Eason called in brought me milk.
She had got a letter from Ella. After dinner Mrs. Griswold wanted me to go
with her to Mrs. Lucus’ Society. I did not go. Mrs. Shaw & Sattie caim
and we Stopt at Mrs. Herrington’s the Mrs. S. and I went down town. Meet
Mr. Huling and Mrs. Bean. Went to Mrs. Hager’s.
Friday 19
Morning pretty cool but got warm. Showed Some. Put beets in celer. Had
Snip for dinner. Afternoon went to Shaw’s with my Sewing. Mrs. Keller
called while I was there. Caim an Mrs. Shaw caim along She was going to
Store with butter. Sit Sponge for bread before I went to Mrs. Shaw’s. Am
at Squire’s drawers yet. Have been looking over my diarys to find
Something. Pretty cold to night.
Saturday 20
A fine day after the big freeze. Ice an inch thick on the water. Baked
bread and two custerd pies. Finished Pa his drawers. Cleaned up a little
around the Stove. Got Some more Soft coal to day. Have begun a letter to
Ella. Pa has gone to Odd Fellows. Went to Shaw’s for milk. Sattie is not
very well. She was dressing a chicken for Supper. Held the baby while Will
milked cow.
Sunday 21
Ground covered with Snow. Began raining and now it is about all gone
and begins to look like clearing off. Pa went to hear the new preacher at
M. E. I intended going but thought it too damp. Have finished Ella’s
letter and ready for the office. Pa eat bread & milk for his Supper. I
made cup of tea. Squire went to church again and I began a letter to
Lizzie Carter. The night is very dark.
Monday 22
Cloudy all day raind Some about noon. Done a two weeks washing. Put out
calico clothes and left the others in the tub. Finished a letter to Lizzie
Carter and Pa took it to office. Have had a pain in my chest all day. I
guess I have taken cold going out in the damp. Rubed Some St. Jacob Oil on
my breast. I feel Some better. Am very achey & tired. So good night.
Tuesday 23
Still cloudy. Put clothes out earley and got them dry and have Some
irond. Pa went to the country. He got a boil of meat and I had cabbage
& beef. After dinner went to P.O. then went to See Mrs. Keller. Got no
letter. Am very disappointed. Knit Some and then went to Mrs. Shaw’s. Meet
Ida Graves. She was going there too. Found Charley crying. Took him and
Sit down and warmed his little feet. Mrs. S. gave me butter milk.
Wednesday 24
Morning beautiful but got cloudy before night. Went to P.O. in fournoon
& got 2 letters. One from Ella the other from La. Sent Ella a letter
& card & Some lace. Finished ironing. Mrs. Blackman called this
afternoon. I brought her out into the kitchen had no fire in the Sitting
room. Pa took away his grain Sacks from a man down at the elevator &
brought them home. Finished one wrister this evening. Pa went to M.E.
prayer meeting this Eve.
Thursday 25
Morning Still cloudy and looks very much like rain. The baptist have an
oyster Supper to night in their church. Supper 50¢ Served from 6 to 9
o’clock. Pa went out to the country. Irond a Shirt then wrote a letter to
M. Mitchell in Clinton, Iowa. After dinner went over to Mrs. Shaw’s. Staid
till nearly Sundown. Found Pa at home and Stove hot. Got Supper. Pa went
down town & I knit Ella’s mittens. Good bye.
Friday 26
Morning beautiful and bright. Froze hard last night. Pa wrote a letter
to C. Hayward. Mrs. Eason called to get Something to bind Mary’s cloak
around the neck. Got dinner over and got ready to go down to Mrs.
Keller’s. Mrs. Shaw and I. It was after 3 o’clock when She caim. Went and
Staid all afternoon. Eat Supper and got up from Tabel and Started home.
Mrs. S. Stopt in to Mrs. Graves. I caim home & got Pa his Supper.
Snowing.
Saturday 27
A very gloomy morning did not Snow onley a little More like rain. Bread
up to top of pan. Baked pancakes for breakfast went to Shaw’s for Milk.
They had not eaten breakfast. Baby was Sitting in rocking chair. Took Mrs.
S. Some musty buckwheat flour. Finished the wristers and [unreadable]
another pair for my Adie boy. Sit up till 11 o’clock Knitting. Pa was gone
to Odd Fellows. Mrs. Eason caim to the door to borrow umbrella. She was
going down town with butter.
Sunday 28
Mr. Holseapple died today. Morning cloudy but not cold. Gave Squire a
good washing. He is going to Methodist Church. It is a nice thing to be a
Christian. One year to day Since we moved into this House. Saw a wild team
of ponys passing. I think it is Mr. Johnson going to take his wife to
Church. Finished Ella’s letter and Squire took it to the office. He went
to Presbyterian church this evening. Have not been very well to day. Must
retire.
Monday 29
The morning was cloudy and looked like rain till about the middle of
the day it began to clear up and the Sun caim out. Knitting on Adie’s
wristers till afternoon. Went to Shaw’s took over a pail of pig feed.
Sattie was washing. Will’s horses ran off & broke the wagon but they
did not get hurt. Am knitting Sattie a pair of Stockings. Mrs. Shaw gave
me my pail full of turnips. Pa got the nomination. Good bye.
Tuesday 30
Mr. & Mrs. Shaw Spent the eve. Morning very beautiful. Got up very
late this morning. 20 minuts of nine o’clock. Cleaned Stove out. Took off
pipe and clean it. Then cleand up floor. Then made two custerd pies for
dinner. Pa bought a barrel of appels. 4.25cts. After dinner went to
knitting. Finished one Stocking. Went to Mrs. Shaw’s for milk. She had
gone to Wilson’s. Sattie gave me a Sice butter. Mrs. S. went as far as
Blackman’s.
Wednesday 31
Quite cool and windy all day. Got letter from Ella and Sent her one. Pa
got his money from Mr. Van. Have been working all day as fast as I can on
Sattie's Stockings. Mrs. Keller called to day. Mrs. Lucus caim in as we
was at Supper. I fastend up the crack in the door. Run over to Mrs. Shaw’s
with Sattie’s Stockings. Saw Ella Blackman on the rocks. Picked up Some
kindlings at baptist church.
November 1883
Thursday November 1
Got another Sack of flour. A very beautiful day. Mrs. Shaw and Mrs.
Eason called was going to artists to have children’s pictures taken. Pa
took Mary in cab down the middle of Street. Have baked appels, boil
potatoes. Am making Spung for bread tomorrow. Have Some head ache can’t
tell if I can go to the festival or not. Well did not go to festival. Pa
went got his Supper and left. I knit all evening made up the bread before
retiring. Good bye.
Friday 2
Morning beautiful. Put bread in oven at 10 o’clock. Pa went out to
country with Dr. Parker. Hurlen’s little girl is Sick. Boiled beets. Boild
a pot of beets and then a pot of cabbage & turnips. Pa caim home with
a pumpkin. I put it on to cook. Got dinner and then went to Mrs. S.
brought home Some buttermilk. Sattie caim along. Will was in with baby’s
picture. Finished Sattie’s Stockings. Am Sleepy. Good night.
Saturday 3
Cloudy and chilly. Got up from breakfast and went to Shaw’s for the
Milk. Took over Some Stewd pumpkin for pies. Sattie gave me 10¢ for
knitting. Caim home & baked 3 pies. Pa fixed a Storm door on the
kitchen door. After dinner went to P.O. and got 3 letters. One from Addie
Mc and one from Ed Mc. Ella did not Send a letter. Only a Photo. Went up
to See Mrs. Keller. 10 o’clock. Pa is out at Lodge. So I’m alone. Began
Sammie’s Mittens. Good night.
Sunday 4
Day very cloudy gave Squire another big wash off. He went to the M.E.
Church. Have written two letters. One to Adie & one to Addie. The day
has been long and lonely as I did not go to Church. Squire went again this
evening. Concert in baptist church. Squire got letter to day from Mr.
McNeal. He is answering it to night. Am very Sleepy. It is misting rain
and very dark. Good bye.
Nov. 4. Have been home all day. Wrote two letters. The day Seems So
very lonely to me. Squire went to Church after I cleand him up. Saw lots
of folks going to the 3 Churches. The day is cloudy and so am I. Have been
writing to my own darling Adie boy. My dear boy when Shall we meet again.
Though distance may Sever thine image from me my spirt will ever cling
fondly to thee.
Monday 5
Quite a nice day. Finished Sammie’s mittens. Put two letters in P.O.
One for Ella the other to Addie. Saw no one hardly all day. I was So
bussey knitting. Run to P.O. after dark with my old dress & Slippers.
Old Mr. Griswold put up his Stormdoor to day and double windows. Squire is
out Seeing who will vote for him tomorrow at Election. The man finished
cutting the wood. Must make the bed before I retire.
Tuesday 6
A lovely day. Clear & bright not a cloud to be Seen in the Sky.
Squire was up quite early this morning. Have Sammies Mittens ready to
Mail. Polls just open. 9 o’clock. Hurray for our Side. Election is over
and Squire hall was badley defeated. I guess he don’t feel So very Sorry
afterall. Have been knitting Jim Some wristers. Finished one to day. Have
Ed’s ready & a letter to mail.
Wednesday 7
Sent Ed a letter and Wristers. Another lovely day. Baked Some Pumpkin
pies. A big fire last night two Elivators burned down. Pa got up and went
down to See it. The folks was badly frightned. It was Midnight when we
first heard fire, fire. Mrs. Keller called this fournoon. I was combing my
hair. Mrs. Hayward caim about noon. Went to P.O. got Lissa H. letter. Got
dinner for Haywards. Mrs. Thorne called & Mrs. Griswold. Went for milk
found S. at home when I caim back.
Thursday 8
Been cloudy all day. Got up this morning feeling Sick & head
aching. Made a little tea and after I drank Some felt better but have not
been well. Finished Jim’s wristers. Am knitting little Socks. Rev. Walker
the Methodist Minister called was here more than an hour. Had prayer
before he left. He wanted us to attend the meetings. I wanted Pa to go and
I would have went with him but he would not go. 4 months to day Since Ella
caim.
Friday 9
The clock Struck nine as I got up Out of bed. The Sun was Shining So
bright in at the window. Pa had got breakfast and was eating when I caim
out. Mrs. Eason caim pretty Soon had Mary. Left her and went down town to
buz her Shoes. Mrs. Shaw caim too & brought her Mittens for me to knit
over toes & thumbs. Finished & washed them & took all home. Pa
went along. He had been to his farm with Mr. Conkling. Bought 4 lbs.
Butter of Mrs. Shaw. Mr. Keller caim for Pa to go to lodge. He had
forgotten about it. Good bye.
Saturday 10
Another nice day. Shaw’s Started off this morning to Minn. Have been to
home all day had four callers. Mrs. Wilson & her daughter, Carrie
Griswold, & Miss Stover. Went to P.O. but got nothing. Feel awful
disappointed. Have been reading in comintery the history of Joseph the
Patriarch. Squire went again to the Odd Fellows lodge and I am alone as
usual. Must get up & wash the dishes. The water is hot am awful
lonely. Oh! Solitude.
Sunday 11
Cold and windy all day. Squire went to Methodist Church this morning
and went to baptist meeting this evening. Don’t feel like going out in the
cold. Have had a pain in my Side all day. Squire put Some wood in
baseburner but it don’t get very warm. Going to freeze hard tonight.
Brought in the pickels and things from out doors. Pa put on his jean pants
to day. Have begun a letter to Ella.
Nov 11th cold & windy all day. The day has Seemd So long to me
Sitting around and mot going to meeting.
Monday 12
A cold morning. Done a big washing. Line broke & all the clothes
caim down in the dirt. Squire bought a new line. Pretty windy just then
but it is calm and getting warm this evening. Clothes all dry and in the
house. Have an awful pain in my back. Have finished Ella’s letter but
don’t know as I can go to the P.O. to night with it. Squire is off
Somewhears, down town.
Tuesday 13
Cold and windy all day. Have been Sitting around the Stove all day.
Finished Ella’s mittens and have Sent them to her. Have had a pain in my
back all day. Irond and mended Squire’s pants. He gave Mr. Harvy all the
rain water out of the barrels. Had crout to day but it is not very good.
Squire Sent off a lot of books. Seven o’clock wind falling. Moon Shining
lovely. Good bye.
Wednesday 14
A very cold Morning. Everything eatable was froze. Put a fire in base
burner this Morn. Sweep the house all through from one end to the other.
My back is hurting me badly. Squire got his cider to day. Got a letter
from Ella and Some Papers. Larmer Hall called & I treated him to a
glass of cider. Sent Ella a card. Went to Mrs. Griswold’s but She was not
at home. Am feeling badly.
Thursday 15
Clear and cold all day. Street full of teams bringing in wheat to
Market. Have been feeling badly all day with My back. Can Scarcely keep
up. Done very little work all day. Feel awful lonely & homesick.
Squire is on the couch. Stretched full length of himself. Teams Still on
the Street at Seven o’clock PM. Good bye.
Friday 16
Quite a nice day. Mending grain Sacks all fournoon. The fire went out
in the Stove and Pa had a great time getting it Started. Back better to
day gave it a good bathing in Some Carosiene Oil last night. Have just
made up the bread to bake tomorrow. Squire went to Masons L. Mr. Shaw and
Eason caim home. Mrs. S. and Sattie on train.
Saturday 17
A very lovely day. Warm and Sky clear. Town full of teams. Mr. Shaw
& Will was here. Pa gave Mr. Shaw a drink of cider. Went into Mrs.
Lucus’ with her book. Back Still feeling badly. Wrote Lissa Hayward a
card. Have been Sewing on quilt. Squire is off to Odd Fellows. So I am
alone. It is 9 o’clock PM. Good night.
Sunday 18
Sent Ella a letter. A very nice day just a little bit windy. Squire
went to baptist meeting to hear the funeral Sermon. Mrs. Eason caim over
with milk. They got home last night. Squire was over to Shaw’s. Mr. &
Mrs. Shaw caim over was here till nine o’clock. Mrs. Shaw looks bad. She
was Sick nearly all the time She was gone. Mr. Griswold & Lorn Hawley
caim in & Pa treated them to cider. Lauzer Hall caim & went with
Pa to church.
Monday 19
A beautiful morning but is clouding up for a Storm. Street full of
teams. Saw Some Indians to day. Have been working on quilt & mended
two more Sacks. Supper bell just ringing. We had ours and are Sitting here
in the room. I can’t think of anything to write. Squire don’t know what to
do with himself. Hope I will hear from Ella tomorrow. Good bye.
Tuesday 20
Weather Still lovely. Am not very well. Sattie caim over to See me. She
waited till I went to office. Got card from Ella. Went to Mrs. S. was
there an hour. Read the card there and caim off without my glasses. Was
feeling real Sorriful all the evening. Squire down town as usual. Could do
nothing without my glasses. Nine o’clock. Will retire.
Wednesday 21
A beautiful day. Went over to Mrs. Shaw’s to get my glasses. Caim home
& peald apples for Mince pie. In afternoon Mrs. Shaw & Sattie
& two babys caim over. Mrs. Griswold called before they caim &
wanted me to go to Keller’s with her but could not go. Wrote Ella a letter
& took it to P.O. Got Supper & finish cutting the Mince Meat. The
Squire is off down town.
Thursday 22
A little cool today. Finished the mince meat. Cut the Suet &
rasens. Squire went to country. Mrs. Keller caim & made me quite a
visit. Was Sewing on my crazy quilt. Gave her a drink of cider. Pa caim
just as She was Starting. Went to Shaw’s. Meet Sattie coming to go down
town. Will caim over & got Some Stove pipe. I treated him to a glass
cider. 10 o’clock. Must retire.
Friday 23
One of the loveliest days ever. Was almost like a Summer day. Shaw’s
was Moving the cook Stove when I was there. Sit down and eat Some cabbage.
Will had just eaten his dinner though it was nearly four o’clock. Caim
home at dark. Got Pa his Supper and then he went to Masons Lodge. Working
on Si quilt. G.N.
Saturday 24
Not quite So pleasant as yesterday. Squire got up and got his breakfast
an went to country for Oats. Flora Hayward caim & I go through my
work. She put buttons on her boy’s coat. Was having his picture taken.
Went to P.O. got two letters. One from Ella, one from Mrs. Shultsberge. Am
alone. Squire is off to Odd Fellows. Good bye.
Sunday 25
Pretty cold. Fire went out in B.B. Stove. Pa went to M.E. Church. Mrs.
Shaw & Sattie called to See me. Had fire in cook Stove awhile. Wrote
to Ella. Mrs. Keller & Willie was in. Pa called to come & get a
drink cider. Have been reading in Testament. Had intended going to meeting
but my back hurts me & it is So cold to night. Good bye.
Monday 26
Morning quite cold & every thing froze. Pa got me a plaster for my
back. Am baking pies "Mince". Mrs. Shaw called in. She had been all night
at Wilson’s. They have a boy. Put Ella’s letter in P.O. went to Store
& got yarn. Caim home & went to Shaw’s. Took Mrs. S. a Mince Pie.
Sattie gave me the children’s Photo. Caim home got tea. Night is cold.
Tuesday 27
Quite a nice day. Got up early and got Squire’s breakfast. He went to
country. Will Eason caim over and brought the Milk. Went in to Lucus’
& got a pattern to cut out a dress for little Ruby. Mrs. Lucus gave me
yarn to knit pair Wristers. Have them finished. Have been knitting on my
Stockings. Huling & his boy was here for Supper. Had crout. Am very
Sleepy must retire.
Wednesday 28
Pretty cool Mrs. Shaw caim over for me to go & See baby. It was
Sick. Did not Stay as baby getting better. Went to P.O. got letter from
Ella. Answered it. Took back yarn got calico for aprons with money. Squire
went to depot to See his grain unloaded. Ida Graves was in to See me. She
was looking at my "Silk quilt blocks". Have been writing for Pa. My back
& Side feels badly.
Thursday 29
"Thanksgiving day". Sattie was over before I had my breakfast. They
want us over to dinner. Pa went to country & won’t be home in time.
Gave Mrs. Lucus the Wristers I knit for Society. Went to Shaw’s to dinner.
Mr. & Mrs. Wilson was there. Mrs. Huntington and two children. Pa got
home in time but went to Bunk’s for dinner.
Friday 30
A very pleasant day. Finished Stockings. Made apron. Went to Shaw’s.
Eat bread Mush & Milk. "I mean" not bread. Will caim along over. Was
going down town. Squire is off Some wheres and I am alone. Hear a thumping
over at baptist church. Am going to have a cup of tea. Tea Pot on Stove.
Oh! dear what a noise on the Street. Good night.
December 1883
Saturday December 1
A beautiful day. At home all day. Baked 2 pies. Irond a Shirt, finished
an apron. Have been Sewing on Ruby’s dress. Back’s being feeling bad all
day. Got Supper over and was knitting lace when Brother Witney called in
to See me. He will be here tomorrow for dinner. Squire has gone to Odd
Fellows lodge and I am all alone. So good night my little diary.
Sunday 2
Another beautiful day. Had Mr. Witney & Mrs. Shaw to dinner. In
afternoon when to hear Witney preach in M.E. Church. Went home with Mrs.
Shaw was there about an hour. Squire was gone when I caim home. Began a
letter to Ella, as I did not go to meeting. Squire would not go with me.
Witney was to preach in Pres. Church.
Monday 3
Sun not up yet. Got up to wash. Am writing this by lamp light. Got
through by two o’clock. Cleaned kitchen & got dinner. Finished writing
to Ella went to P.O. Caim back & went to Shaw’s for milk. Will was
churning butter. Mrs. Shaw dear woman caim to creek with me. Pa is looking
over a lot of Old Papers & letters. Got a letter from cousin Tomie.
Tuesday 4
Another beautiful day. Have irond a part of my clothes. Got a fall was
on top of a chair & fell & brused my Self badley. I went to
Witman’s Store to exchange yarn to knit Pa pair of Socks. Call over to
Mrs. Griswold’s. Mrs. Graves called while I was there. In evening went
over to Shaw’s a little while. Caim home eat a lunch. My back hurts badly.
Sent Addie card.
Wednesday 5
Has been another beautiful day. Got a card from Ella. Sent Josie Hall a
card. Knit Squire Sock and began on the other one. Have been knitting Some
on Ruth’s lace besides. Mrs. Shaw caim over & Spent the evening. She
brought a letter to Put in P.O. for Ella with baby’s Pictures. I forget to
treat her to Some apples. Dear Mrs. Shaw. Getting cloudy.
Thursday 6
Raining this morning. Got up early eat breakfast by lamp light. Baked
bread & pie. Forgot bread and it was in over 3 hours. Let fire go out
of B.B. It is So warm don’t need much fire. Went to P.O. got card from
Ruth. Sent her a card & lace and Ella Exponant Paper. Very cloudy all
day We are Sitting out in little dining room. Intended to go to Shaw’s.
Did not get off. Bye, bye.
Friday 7
Turned cold in the night. Everything was ice this morning. Took my
sewing and went to Mrs. Shaw’s. Mrs. S. was ironing. Sattie Sewing &
Will holding the baby. Staid till dark. Caim home got Pa his tea then he
went to Masons. Caim home after 11 o’clock. He got me a bottle of St.
Jacob’s oil for my back. Sewing all the evening on quilt. Expected Mrs.
Shaw but She did not come. Very, very lonely. Those long nights.
Saturday 8
Beginning to get pleasant again. Will Eason brought over milk. I was
Scouring Tea kettle when he caim in. Baked two pies. Sewing on quilt. Pa
brought me new Shoes today. There was a Norweggen Wedding in Baptist
Church. There was nine teams. Thought it was a funeral prosesin. My back
better. Squire has gone to Odd Fellows he is not well. Mrs. Gifferd
called. Pa treated her to cider. Good bye.
Sunday 9
Another beautiful Sabbath. At home all day till evening went to
Presbyterian church to hear Prof. Une. Wrote Ella but did not get letter
in P.O. and feel pretty mad over it to think I must be grumbeld at So much
about a Stamp or two. Shook hands with Mrs. Witman at church. Sit in Seat
with Mrs. Shaw. She got a nickel from Pa to put in the contrabution. Good
bye.
Monday 10
Another beautiful day. At home all day peacing quilt. Finished Ella’s
letter and took it to office. Squire went to country with Dr. Parker. Did
not know he was gone till he caim home. Mr. Stratten called this evening
and brought me Some papers to read. The fire is cracking we will Soon have
a Storm. It is after 11 o’clock. I must retire. So good night little
diary.
Tuesday 11
Another Summer day. Had Several callers to day. Mrs. Lovell, Mrs. Rice,
Mrs. Eason, Mrs. Shaw & the two babys. Have been working on quilt most
of the day. Pa went to bed and took a Sleep. I changed my dress & got
dinner. Had a bread mince pie. Squire got the Stove awful hot So I had to
come in the other rooms. He is off down town again. Somethings matter with
Pump.
Wednesday 12
Another beautiful day. After dinner went to Shaw’s to Sew. Sattie
helped me on the little dress. They was Showing me Some Christmas
preasants. Went to P.O. got letter from Ella. She wants me to knit Mr.
Vansant a pair Mittens. Sattie had a letter from her too. My dear, dear
Ella. How I wish you was nearer me. Pa was out late. Got another Sack
flour. Good night.
Thursday 13
Went to Mrs. Shaw’s in afternoon to help Sattie Sew on a dress. She was
not very well. Had head ache. Mrs.Shaw caim over with me. Squire bought
the yarn for Mr. Vansant’s mittens. Wound it in a ball ready to begin
tomorrow. Still are having good weather. Squire out till ten o’clock.
House is getting cold. Will Soon retire if Squire don’t Soon come home.
Baked bread and Mince Pie.
Friday 14
Mrs. Shaw caim over this morning. Have finished the little mittens.
Presbyterians are having a Sale to night in Pres. Church. The day is
bright & clear but cold. Froze hard last night. Dinner is over I am
going to P.O. after while. I hope I will get a letter. Did get a letter it
was from My friend Mrs. Cook. Squire went to Masons. Did not go to the
Socieble. Had no money to Spend. Got Satien Thimble.
Saturday 15
Cold all day. Have had a terrible pain in my back. Have been knitting
all day. Went to P.O. got nothing. Asked if Sattie’s Preasant was finished
but it wasn’t done. Feet cold all day. Getting cloudy I guess we are going
to get Snow. Tis getting dark. Am Sitting with feet on Stove hearth to get
them warm. Squire is going to Odd Fellows. Tea is over. Squire will Soon
be off. Good night Diary.
Dec. 15th. Have been feeling bad all day. My back is feeling badly. How
many lonely hours passes by. Have been wondering why Adie McConnell don’t
write to me. Squire has Started off to Odd Fellows lodge and I’ll be alone
till 11 o’clock.
Dear Ella have been working o Mr. Vans Mittens all day and wondering if
your own mittens will be So nice. Did not tell you that I had a card from
Ruth Saying for me not to Send you aney mittens for She had a nice pare
for you. My little diary will Soon be filled up the year will Soon be
gone. We won’t be in Old LeClaire to hear the bells ring its departin. I
Shall never forget New Year Night when I freightned Ed So badly. Poor Ed.
How he did look and how and how Sorry I was for him. O where is my boy to
night the boy of my tender care. Would I could See all my loved ones to
night. When Shall we all meet again. Oft Shall glowing hope expire. Oft
Shall wearyed love retire. When we asunder part. It gives us inward pain.
But we Shall Still be joind in heart and hope to Meet again.
Sunday 16
Ground covered with Snow and tolerable cold. Did not go to church. At
home all day. It was awful long day. Squire went to bed. Began letter to
Ella but did not have Paper to finish it. Mr. Shaw Stopt in a while this
morning. Saw Will and Sattie going home from the afternoon meeting. I
guess they was practing for the Singing Christmas Eve. Pa made fire in the
B.B. Soft coal is all gone. Blowing Some all day. Good night.
Monday 17
A cold day. Got a little warm about noon then turnd cold. Wind got up
and it was very cold. Went to Shaw’s for butter. My face got awful cold.
Finished Mr. Vans mittens. All to the thumbs could not See to lift
Stitches or I could have knit the thumb. Feet cold all day. Room did not
Seem to get warm all day. I guess we are going to have our winter now.
Found Pa teeth in his trunk. Good bye diary.
Tuesday 18
A beautiful morning but very cold the room don’t get warm. We have not
had breakfast yet. Pa is walking through the room waiting to get warm. Not
a cloud to be Seen this morning. Must go and get breakfast. Finished
Mittens. Mrs. Shaw caim & we went down town. Put letter in office for
Ella & got one from her. Called to See Mrs. Keller was in two Stores
but bought nothing. Mrs. Shaw got Some Silk handkerchiefs. Squire Spent
the evening down town.
Wednesday 19
A pretty cold morning. Got up pretty late. Everything Seemd So cold to
the touch. Went to Mrs. Shaw’s in afternoon to help Sew on Mary’s dolls
dress. Did not do much. Caim home & got Supper and Sit up knitting on
Mrs. Shaw’s Stocking till nearly twelve o’clock. Squire went to bed. Mrs.
Shaw gave me a Silk handkerchief & Sattie gave me an Apron.
Thursday 20
Not quite So cold this morning. Will called in & told me Sattie
wanted me to come over. Went & Staid all day. Brought home a loaf of
bread from Mrs. Shaw. Mrs. Shaw caim in on her way down town. She brought
me Some turnips. Cooked Pa Some cranberries from his Supper. Am knitting
on Mrs. Shaw’s Stocking. Pa is down town. Am feeling tired to night and
will retire pretty Soon.
Friday 21
Rather a fine day. Only a little frosty. Mrs. Shaw called after dinner
& we went to Mrs. Graves then to Crossmen’s then to Mrs. Thorn’s. They
was talking "Church matters". We caim back & She Stopt in awhile and
knit. She got red yarn for Stockings. Squire has gone to Masons and I have
been alone trying to write to Ella. Am feeling lonely and forsaken. Good
night.
Saturday 22
A very like day. Snowing & blowing began to get worse toward
evening. Stormed So bad that I could not go for the milk. Done all my
baking in B.B. took me all day. Baked four pies. Fixed the front door to
keep out wind. Also another door & windows. Squire did not get home
till nearly twelve o’clock. Oh! the lonely hours I Spend. Began letter to
Ella.
Sunday 23
Quite a Snow fell last night. Several inches. Intended going to Church
but my back was feeling badly. Mrs. Shaw & Sattie Eason called on
their way home from Meeting. Sattie dear girl took the pail to bring my
milk. She did when She caim over to Dr. Lucus to Sing. Gave her an apple
for little Mary E. Also a M.P. Have been writing to Ella. Had baked
Potatoes for dinner.
Monday 24
A beautiful Morning not a cloud to be Seen in our Sky. Half past 8
o’clock. Breakfast is over. Pa has gone for his mail. Evening Bell rung
for the Christmas Tree. Alone again. Squire has gone to play cards. At
home all day. Did not go to office. Streets awful noisy full of drunken
Men. Gave the room a good Sweeping moved Malodian to another place. Squire
got a turkey to day for Christmas dinner.
Tuesday 25
Merry Christmas. Streets full of Sleighs taking folks riding. Dinner
over had turkey, potatoes, cranberrys saus, & pie. Had a nice present
to day of a White Silk hankerchief from Ruth & Ella. Pa got a nice
pair "Slippers". Sattie called. She got an Album. Am going to Shaw’s when
I See Smoke coming out of their chimney. Have written to "Ruth &
Ella". Spent the evening at Mrs. Shaw’s. Will & Sattie Sung.
Wednesday 26
A cold day. Mrs. Shaw caim over with her knitting. Went to P.O. got a
letter in from Adie. One from Ella & one Cabinit. Six Photo from Josie
Hall. Mrs. Shaw went home with the wrong box and caim back. I knit off the
heel of Stocking for her & treated her to Apples. Have answerd Adie’s
letter. The night is cold. 10 o’clock.
Thursday 27
Pretty cold this morning and all. Sent Ed & Ella a letter at home
all day knitting on Mrs. Shaw’s Stocking. Squire was writing to Charley H.
& I put in a few lines to Lissa. How I would love to See her. Finished
eating the turkey to day. Squire has hone to hotel with his letter. It is
nearly ten o’clock and I have the tea pot on the Stove. Squire burned his
forehead. Ha, ha.
Friday 28
A tolerable cold day. Washed and was through by one o’clock. Pa gatherd
Snow for me. Cleand up kitchen and then had dinner. Had a boild dinner,
potatoes and turnips & beef. Mrs. Eason and the Methodist Minister
called. Went out after dark gatherd in the clothes. My hands nearly froze.
Pa made up the bed.
Saturday 29
Not quite So cold. At home all day. Irond Some. Baked a few pies &
knit on Mrs. Shaw’s stocking. Mrs. Keller called quite a while. Sattie
Eason called She was going to Presb. Meeting. Have Some tea on the Stove.
Squire has gone to Odd Fellows lodge and I am all alone and feel pretty
lonely. Hear Some Singing at baptist church. Here Sits my cup of tea. Ha.
Dell Rapids Dec. 29, 1883
My own darling Ella. I intended Sending you Something for a New Year
presant but have failed to do it. Poverty keeps me from doing it but you
know that in my heart I have not forgot you. The Old year will Soon be
gone with many Sad remberances of the past.
Sunday 30
Snowing Some this morning. Squire went to M.E.C. I have been in doors
all day. Squire went to Shaw’s to invite them over New Yrs. Have been
writing to my dear girl to night. Pa went again to meeting Some where. It
is pretty cold to night. The year rolls round & Steals away. The
breath that first it gave. What can we do. When can we be. We’re travling
to the grave.
Dec. 30 The day very cold day. Wind in the north trying to Snow but it
is too cold to Snow much. Watch meeting at Methodist church but I am not
going. Won’t be done baking it takes So long in B.B. to do a baking. Here
comes Squire with a piece of meat and a paper of cocoanut for cake. He
lost the key to coal house and So he has gotten another lock with two
keys. Half past Seven o’clock Squire has gone down town. Am tired for I
have been working all day. Have been reading testament to Squire. Read him
to Sleep. Ella what are you at just now. I am Sitting by the Old Melodian
writing and wishing I could See you and the boys. Shall we ever meet
again.
Monday 31
"So ends the Old year" thou art gone forever. "Farewell" 1883. In years
to come this little "Diary" will remind us of many things which otherwise
would have been forgotten. Dear "Sattie Eason" this little book will ever
remind me of the "giver". The day is very cold am baking for "New Years"
dinner. Have a turkey nine lbs. & quarter. Once more I Say Farewell
old year. Soon we all Shall bid adieu to the world and all below.
January 1884
Happy New Year 1884
Ella, have Sent you a letter this evening hoping you are
"well & happy". How many Sad hearts & homes there will be before
another New Year rolls around. Have just begun writing in my New Diary.
Mr. Hall bought me one to day for 65cts. Mrs. Shaw, Will Eason, wife &
children ware here for dinner. Every thing pass off nicely but there is
vacant places that can’t be filled by Strangers and what a pang of Sorrow
I Sometimes feel when I think of being Sepperated from those I love above
all others. Oh! dear Ella in after years when you Sit and read this little
memorandum book you will know that I Spent many unhappy days. But in that
better home beyond the river of death we Shall feel no Sorrow if we live
as we ought to in this world. How Sweet to die and leave all cares behind
us. Peaceful rest.
January 2nd 1884
Evening finds me here alone. Mr. Hall went down to Sioux
Falls on the train. Got a letter from Ella & one from Josie Hall and a
box presants from Ella. My dear, dear Ella. Have answered both of their
letters. Went to Shaw’s with the presants She Sent them. O Ella your heart
is too large for your purse.
January 3rd 1884
It is 34 years to day Since I was married to Alexander
McConnell. This morning is cold but clear and bright. The Sun Shine makes
it look So beautiful. The bird is Singing cheerfully as it hangs in the
window. Squire caim home last night 20 minutes after twelve o’clock. I was
up knitting & waiting for him to come. Had made him coffe. He told me
that he would not eat aney Supper at Sioux Falls but he did and onley
drank Some coffe when he got home. I finished one of Mrs. Shaw’s Stockings
last night. This morning I got up and run out to kitchen & brought in
the Oil Stove & lit it. The fire had gone out in B.B. Stove and it was
So cold was afeard my bird would freeze to death. Pa made fire in Cook
Stove first then the other. We was Soon quite comfortable.
January 4th 1884
January fourth. This has been about the coldest day ever. I
Saw 30 deg. Below zero. Fire went out in the B.B. again last night and
house awful cold made fire in Cook Stove and eat breakfast there. Good
bye.
January 6th 1884
A beautiful Sabbath Morn. Emblem of eternal rest beyond the
grave. Sweet to think My name in lifes fair book Sit down. Sweet to look
upward and behold eternal joys my own. Yesterday had a package of Silks
paches from Ella. Dear girl I would love to be with you this Morning. I
must get up & go wash the breakfast dishes. Don’t think I will go out
in the cold this morning to church. Prof. Une preaches in the Presbyterian
Church.
January 7th 1884
A beautiful morning moderating getting quite pleasant. This
is about the last I Shall write in this little diary. Will put it away
carefully. Some one no doubt will read it in years to come when I am in
the Silent grave. You must not make Sport of my thoughts and feelings for
often, very often I was feeling terrable and my Sky was dark. "Redeem the
time" is the text I heard preacht from last night by Prof. Une I the
Presbyterian Church.
Legacy
My dear darling Ella. I leave you here this little book. For
you to look upon That you may See, think, & look when I am dead &
gone. This earthly race will Soon be run. The Sinking Sun goes down in
peace. My life is oer my joys begin. My Saviour is four ever mine.
Mrs. Elizabeth Hall
Dell Rapids
Jan. 7, 1884
Dakota
Territory
Minnihaha County
Births, deaths, and marriages mentioned in diary
February 7, 1883 - Corpse was brought to Dell Rapids from
Coleman. A young Dr.
February 8- Funeral at Presbyterian Church.
April 3- Miss Lizzie Gallaway married this evening.
June 21- Josie Hall married this evening.
July 16- Funeral of Mr. Une’s child.
July 24- Girl born to Mrs. Lucas.
July 27- Son born to Mrs. Eason.
July 28- Mrs. Harvy’s funeral.
October 5- Mr. Scriber died last night.
October 14- Another baby born today (no other info given).
October 27- Mr. Holseapple died today.
November 26- Wilson’s have a boy.
December 8- Norwegian wedding at Baptist Church.
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