Winslow Maine Crosby Diary
July Through December 1899
Transcribed from the original handwritten diary of Elizabeth B. Hinds Crosby by her Great Grandson Clyde Spaulding
July 1st
Bright nice day, but quite cool to night I helped in morn as M picked straw" 20 qts. got home before noon I mended
all the rest of the time. N has cooked & washed floors, think she must be tired.
Eddie & L put machine together
2nd Very
warm day. I went to Church, also Eddie, M, & Ruth. Stevie went down to
Annies. she was at Church with Ned. Mr
Wms stops this eve. No one
knows how much I miss H while in church
3rd Very
warm day. M picked 25 qts & Ruth 7 L helped about the washing. I did Some & washed dishes & mended L & E's pants
sent letter to Amanda July 6th
sent paper to Sue 4th
sent letter to Asenath 10th
also one to Fannie Burnham
July
4th Very
warm. Churned, then Eddie took K, M, Ruth Rufus & twins went out to the Pond. the Sab" school had a picnic they
invited the school on the other side, so they went in a hayrack and Bert Reed went with a H rack carried some from this
side, & some went with their teams. others went out in Boats, & on
wheels. quite a gathering Mr Wms & wife were there, but about 3 or 4 had a heavy shower with heavy thunder. when they got home about 5 they were a wet lot of folks. Lib went to the Mills so did F & Ned in morn then went to the pond on their
wheels. I am tired will go to bed
5th Very
warm. I dressed Butter, washed dishes. Mary picked 23 boxes. E put rake together & sold it to Sam" Piper. L & Nell washed the clothes the children wore to the Pond for they were wet
& muddy. I sewed on nightdress, so did N & we finished them
6th
Cloudy morn, but cleared up about noon. so Eddie took his team thought he
would begin to mow Mr Lunts grass but when he got to the upper barn it began to rain so he put machine in Barn &
came home, had quite a shower & it rains little to night. Abbie died yrs ago to night; a dream
7th
Cloudy morn & it rained little. E went to Depot got 4 rakes Stevie
gone to C E meeting N has ironed & cooked. I have mended hose.
8th
Clouds & little sun. C Thomas came up he helped fix floor in upper Barn
went home at noon afternoon rained quite hard E went to Depot E churned I
washed dishes then made a nightdress for twins N has cooked I have thought of H good deal
9th
Sunshine & Clouds. Eddie & 6 children went to Church Mr Wms exchanged. E thought the man was from Vass" F came up this morn, he is not very well, slight diarhea Ned
came up & to night made some Ice Cream for tea. It has been a long
lonesome day to me Stevie gone up to night
10th
Nice hay day, Eddie has mowed most all day in Lunt field, C Thomas helped. they
raked & put up 150 tumbles & E said there were as many more to put up. in
forenoon Lib helped about washing & Stevie had head ache but after dinner raked.
F been abed most all day, got up ate little supper, felt better so about six started for Watt going on Cars hope
he will get better. Mary picked 11 Boxes for Mr R then she picked 8 qts
& had 4 of them finished I suppose
11th Nice hay day. they have mowed & raked & got in 4 large C F was here loads into the Lunt Barn the first they've got in N washed Prints & sent supper up to them, Stevie Churned, I dressed Butter then made the last nightdress for twins, Mary & Ruth picked some Peas to night clothes all dry & in. My head aches must go to bed
Letter from Sue 17th
Letter from Amanda 19th
Box Butter to Oldtown the 19th
July 1899
12th
Sunshine & clouds. N has cooked & ironed some Mary Ruth & Rufus went over in pasture got 10 lbs Rasberries,
they are nice I mended hose It has been a lonely day to me, thinking how
anxious H if living would be about haying. Eddie mowed so did C then got in
5 loads & Bert Reed got in 2 for them
13th
Nice day, although had a shower last night & heavy thunder. N cooked
& finished ironing sent supper up
I mended hose & red tablecloth. M & Rufus got few rasb"
& blueberries. Eddie finished mowing Mr Lunts field & got in 2
loads most 8 when they got home all tired C F here.
14th good hay day till about 3 or 1/2 past. a shower stopped them but they got in all
of the Lunt hay had 18 loads C F here went & they mowed in upper field. E says 4 or 5 loads home before tea N cooked & sewed I have sewed & mended, but feel tired was up 1/2 past 4 F came up last night, went back this morn on wheel said he felt better. hope he will prosper & be a good boy
15th
Nice hay day. they mowed & got in 5 loads the first in upper Barn. N has cooked & Churned I took care of Butter & sewed & mended & my head aches to night K came up on Cars & Wm
Coleman brought her down F came on wheel
16th
Cloudy most all day. Eddie & 4 children went to Church good number out.
Mr Wms & family start for Owls Head tomorrow if nothing happens, all
but Maggie, she is at Mr Sampson's taking care of children. Ned been up they made some Ice Cream it was good F
goes back to night how much I have thought of friends "Not lost but
gone before"
17th
Cloudy forenoon, but nice after dinner C F came up at noon Eddie went to Watt" in morn with wool sold it to Emery had 276 lbs at 20
cts Ned, Flo & Etta came along wanted K to go rasberring she went got lbs Mary & Rufus went with Mrs Coleman
18th
Quite a little shower last eve but a nice hay day Nell finished washing K
cut & began a wrapper for her Mother L Churned. I mended & sewed. Mary & Rufus got 10 lbs Ras" in forenoon down in
pasture. Eddie & C F mowed in forenoon then E took Tedder & they
got it all in 5 loads C F gone home to get his hay, then will help E again It was 9 oclock when I strained milk
19th good hay day. E mowed; S raked scatterings they got in 1 load K & Rufus went to Watt" on Cars. R got piece of herdsgrass in his throat. Dr Knox took it out. In afternoon Kate, Nell & Pearl carried Box Butter to Depot, called down to Joan's. Mary, Ruth & Rufus picked 10 1/2 lbs Ras" I have sewed & mended some & put up Butter am tired It seemed this afternoon almost as though Hanes was here with me
Letter from Rufus 22
Sent letter to Rufus 24th July 1899
also one to Amanda
20th
Nice hay day E mowed, got in 5 large loads, Stevie loads & twins rode horse to unload. Rufus & L raked. N & girls done work. I have
mended hose, taken care of milk & hens
21st
Showers with heavy thunder most all day, although sun shone few minutes just before noon. N & girls done work I have dressed Butter & mended an old dress & &
22nd Not
a very good hay day E mowed little & hauled 1 load down home. Lightning struck Roscoe Heywoods Barn & killed a
horse last night. good deal of rain fell Cistern full. girls cooked &
washed floors, I sewed on fancy work & made me an apron. get tired
every day - at times feel that my work is most done
23rd Not
much of a hay day, No meeting to day but have one this eve Stevie & K
gone up. Wm Coleman & family down this afternoon. Children all at home had only 19 to tea, boys made Ice Cream. F gone down to Watt" also Ned gone down to Charles. my head aches must go to bed. kate
& Annie gone down to the Cemetery
24th
Nice hay day. E mowed got in 4 loads N & K washed I hung out clothes & washed 2 dresses for myself &
mended E's frock M & Ruth got few plums K & Pearl got few string
beans down to A Hodges
25th E
mowed got in 3 loads, then had little shower. Bert Reed helped him. Stevie not very well in afternoon
Mary & K Hodges went got few Berries. Kate & Ruth went to
Watt" got home just as the shower struck. I dressed Butter, washed
some dishes & ironed little did not sleep very well last night
26th
Rainy till most 3 PM. No hay day. Mr Brann here to dinner after dinner Eddie & Stevie went to the Mills Pd Dr Webber 20 dollars; Albion Richardson, wife & daughter called to the door he said he wanted just
to ride down here. said Hanes was the best man that ever lived, or one of
the best. Mr R is most 78 yrs old. Lib says D O Smiley is 79 to day
27th good hay day although about 4 it thundered, sprinkled little but they got in 4
loads 1 of them down home. finished mowing over brook Bert R helped. all done work &
sewed. I began an apron for Ruth Kate
got her wrapper done
28th
Beautiful hay day and Eddie has improved it mowed Intervale & north of the Barn & got in 4 loads & 2 over
the brook & 1 from Intervale: Bert here.
girls done work Churned & finished Ruths apron. Mary & twins got 4 qts berries
29 Another good hay Bert with team & colt & C Thomas helped with his horse & Eddie mowed in ten acre field while the rest got in 4 loads after dinner Stevie raked & they got in 7 loads, none out good days work, guess all are tired. Mrs Geo" Reed, Joan L & Lizzie Smiley called this afternoon was glad to see them
Box of Butter to Oldtown 4th
Letter from Amanda Dated Aug 4th with check July 1898 or $21.60
30th
Nice day little cooler, had a little shower early morn & heavy thunder. little
cloudy to night. I have been talking with Susan on paper. E & Nell took a ride out to Albion. F
came up, so did Ned. should like to stop at a prayer meeting such as we
used to have 60 yrs ago, when many voices were heard, that are silent now in
Earth but I trust are singing praises to God in Heaven to night
31st
Nice day, Bright cool. girls washed clothes dry & in been quite windy,
some cloudy. I mended put in a back to a vest for Ned; Eddie & Charles mowed & got in 6 loads, 2 out
Aug 1st
Very warm day. Churned & mended Rufus pants. N ironed some, E & C mowed little orchard then got in 6 loads. K began some nightdresses for Mary. Mrs
A Hodges called this eve
2nd
Another nice day. they mowed by hand on intervale & little orchard got
in 2 loads C was here. I have
mended hose. girls done work It has been a long day to me all alone
3rd
Sunshine & some cloudy. Eddie C & L mowed on Lunt Meadow & put up 100 tumbles, it is stout. girls done work. I have mended. felt lonely, no one to talk with till
Eddie comes in then it seems like home. must go to bed my head aches
4th Nice
day. Eddie & C L finished mowing on meadow got in 4 loads Charles
been here 13 days he is done; they have little more to get in. Kate & Rufus carried Box of Butter to the Depot & went to the Mills. I have mended &&&
5th
Cloudy in early morn then broke away. Eddie opened hay, got in 1 large
load, the last from the meadow. guess all are glad. Mr Brann dined with us. Eddie went
with him to James Runnels after a mowing machine; all been busy
6th This has been a long bright day. Ned, Kate & Mary went up to the Good Will Home (or rather the Pines) to a meeting that they call the Assembly. this is the last day, been in session over a week. Frank & Stephen went up on their wheels. Ruth went with Mr & Mrs A Hodges; John Crosby' wife Loren"s wife & Annie called to day: F said Mrs Heywood went to get up out of her chair & fell hurt her badly they think she had a shock Poor Woman. it was myself should long for the time to go if it was God's will Eddie went with Corn this morn first
the 7th
7th
Beautiful day. girls washed wind blew so their clothes are all dry &
in. I mended Coat for Stevie. E
picked Corn then he & L pulled weeds in Corn & Beets & a sad accident at Bar Harbor. 20 or more drowned, plank broke while going aboard a steamer, Sunday Excursion: I must
go to bed
Letter from Sue 12th
Aug 1899
8th
Another nice day but quite cool. Kate & Etta Warren went to Oak Grove
to a Grange meeting, got home about 5 2 girls from Watt" on their
wheels called to see K wanted a glass of milk; K met them. Eddie picked Corn then he & boys mowed Barley
Churned then mended socks & finished stockings for Pearl N ironed some & mended. Heard there had been a frost
& killed everything up in Aroostick, but dont know one thing I know it
is cold here to night
9th Nice
day. E picked Corn then got in 1 loads Barley after dinner. K went to the
Mills. I went up called at Sue Crosbys, between 3 & 4 went into Martha
Lunts & stopped to tea & till Rufus came after Mail got home tired
& my head aches K gone to reading Club
10th
Cloudy cold morn. Ruth went over with her father with Corn then they got in
load Barley & it rained little & he went out to Mr Jenkins; L
cleaned out Hen house I have mended. A man left a Sewing Machine wanted K to try it N has
mended & helped round heard that Mrs Heywood died to day
11th
Cold day for August. Eddie did'nt go with Corn but picked some for
tomorrow. Eddie & I went to the funeral of Mrs H Mr Wms attended, quite a number there E went as one of the bearers; she was buried at
the Fort. Mr Elliott took tea with us, Principal of the business College at
Watt. must go to bed
12th
Cool & windy, sun shone part of the day. E churned then went out to
Woods. after dinner opened Barley got in 2 loads the last, had 4 loads F
came home This afternoon. also Ned as he did'nt work. Eddie sold a 3 yr old Heifer to Mr Jackins for 20 dollars; E did'nt fancy her I have taken
care of Butter, put up some in Box K cooked N has mended & helped round
13th
Warm bright day. K, F. Nary & Ruth went to Church F, K, & Stevie
gone this eve. Ned helped Charles H get in some grain. S Hodges called was here to tea, they
made some Ice Cream. how much I have thought of absent friends
14th
Beautiful day. Eddie picked Corn; then mowed Oats Frank & Stevie Hodges
went to the Pond but did'nt get any fish. sun shone bright & wind blew
hard. girls & L washed. I mended some & knit. Rufus & twins got in soft wood
15th
Another nice day. E picked 525 Ears Corn. S churned then helped him after
dinner they got in loads
Oats. girls done work & ironed some I took care of Butter & began
to bind a quilt
16th Another nice day, very warm. Eddie & S picked Corn in forenoon, then unloaded grain & got in 3 loads K & her mother began some waists for the twins. I mended hose & sewed little on Quilt. while all alone in my room I lived in the past, 50 yrs ago or more. May I be ready when my Master calls & meet all my dear friends to part no more
sent Box Butter to Oldtown 22 Aug 1899
17th
Very warm, towards night looked like a shower. E went with Corn, then picked.
unloaded grain then got in 1 load, the last. had loads then mowed Oats back of Barn for fodder, then he & K went
to Watt", I finished binding quilt. E heard that Selden Reynolds house
& stable was burned Yes" morn about 6, think it took from the Cars
18th
Very warm middle of day, but cool at night. Rufus Kate & Mary gone down
to the Grange. It is Childrens night ,
Rufus speaks a piece. E got in Oats for fodder then put hayrack in
upper Barn. cleaned out shed got in some wood. girls done work & sewed I bound a quilt
an agent from Chicago called to see K
19th
Very warm & sultry, looks as though there was a fire some where, E went
with Corn then he & boys been getting in wood L Churned I took care of Butter then bound a quilt for
Ruth K cooked. she said Rufus
done well in speaking last night Frank came home to night
20th
Warm day but little cooler to night. 6 children went to Church. Mr Wms does'nt stop. on their way home Mrs W ran in for a few minutes.
2 loads of French stopped up on the hill they had their sacks to put
Corn in. E went up & stopped them.
Eddie & Mary have gone out to Oakland to carry F"s valise. they got home before nine Eddie is 49 yrs old to day
21st
Nice day to wash. I mended Rufus pants & knit & sewed. E & boys finished getting in the hard wood a good lot of it. Charles & James Warren & their wives started for Owls Head about 8
Saturday night thought it would be cooler, but it was a very warm night. It
is very dry we need rain but suppose as E once said to me "God knows
best" very true
22nd
Cloudy all day, rained very little. S Churned then helped his father pick
Corn. L got in soft wood. after
dinner they cleaned out the Cistern. then Eddie carried Butter to Depot L
went got few Blackberries K went with her father to call on Belle Davis. N ironed colored clothes. K made
Blouse for Rufus & N worked Button holes & I done little & knit
23rd
Cloudy & cooler. E went with Corn then he & boys thinned out
Turnips. after dinner E went down to Vass" to help set up a machine. boys worked on Turnips. I went down
to Hatties little while this afternoon did not go down to the cemetary as I was tired & grass wet. Mr H said they would harness & carry me down I said No. E would anytime but I thought i should like to walk
24th Cloudy lonesome day. Eddie been gone all day down to Vass" to help put machine together S & L finished turnips then split some wood, got it in L went got few Blackberries girls done work & sewed. I mended hose & knit "O for a closer walk with God"
Sent Letter to Sue 28th (school began the 28 Letter from Asenath 28 (kept by Miss Atwood
The Drummonds had a Reunion in Town house
in Hall the 2nd of Sept" Aug 1899
25th
Nice day. E put up his Mowing Machine & Rake & chored in afternoon
he & L went to the Mills. got L vest & shoes. girls done work. I ironed some & knit will go to
bed
26th
Another nice day. E churned then cut Bushes
on little Intervale & to night over to Wesley Browns, he heard that Walter Bryant was dead. K cooked all busy I
mended pants for L & knit some & thought of friends
27th
Beautiful day but quite cool. Frank, Ned, G Hodges & E also Scott Wood
started for Lakeside Camp Meeting this morm. Kate, S, Mary & Ruth went
to Church K & S gone this eve. Eddie
& L gone down to milk Cows for Ned as he has'nt got back
28th
Nice day to wash. I washed some dishes, knit & began a quilt for Pearl. girls washed & cooked. Eddie
went into the woods got a stick to make tongue for Cart, Mr Palmer makes it after dinner he & L pulled Beans. Stevie,
Rufus, twins, Mary & Ruth went to school
29th
Another nice day. Picnic in H Garlands grove, 7 children went from here in
afternoon. N ironed colored clothes & brought rest in. I have sewed little on quilt & put up 2 strings apples & washed dishes. Eddie & L pulled & stacked Beans School
did'nt keep. It is quite cool this eve
must go to bed
30th
Very foggy morn, about 10 sun shone out, has all day. Eddie & L &
boys to night, finished pulling Beans & got them all stacked but 1. had
25 stacks. good job done N ironed some white clothes. K cooked & sewed, & she sprained her ankle jumping over the fence but
has gone to Reading Club with miss Atwood & Stevie they rode. F went on wheel, he went to Oakland after dinner with team got his clothes. I mended hose, L's Coat & shirt
31st
foggy morn, but been a very warm day. I called to see Dora Hunt, she has
been very unwell. she says she is better but she looks sick. I sewed little on quilt & knit finished
Pearls workings & took one up for twins. K finished Rufus night shirts. F started for Vienna this morn on his wheel & L started for Lakeside Camp
meeting. Eddie went out to Jenkins with a Mr Hawes to see about a machine. must go to bed
Sept 1st
Cloudy, long lonely day. E churned then picked some
Sue's birth day 71 yrs old Peas, they were good, chored & worked on
Strawberries girls cooked & sewed
I put up 2 strings Apples & knit
2nd Cloudy all day rained little last night. Lib went to Etna got home last night. he & Stevie dug few Potatoes in forenoon & E went to the Fort after dinner they got up sheep & took off the lambs. K cooked & washed floors. Mary & I washed dishes then I sewed little on quilt & knit but feel tired will go to bed
Sent letter to Amanda 4th
Sept 1899
3rd Cloudy all day; about 5 PM had quite a shower with heavy thunder & lightning. 5 children went to Church, none this eve, as they are having meetings over the river. Frank got home to night. Ned & Eddie Hodges went to Lakeside with team they got home about 1/2 past 6 said it did'nt rain much where they were. I have written to Oldtown & been reading in the life of Moody
4th Nice
cool day to wash, wind blew, clothes all dry & in. girls & F
washed. I sewed on quilt & knit. School
did'nt keep it being Labor Day. Eddie, L & S been digging potatoes they
only dug 15 Bush, did'nt turn out very well. I cleaned milk room or partly
Mary helped me; set milk upstairs I have thought often of friends who have passed over the river
5th
Another cool day. finished milk room & washed the Blind made 4 squares for quilt & knit. Mrs
Wms called, also Alice Blakney & Aunt. Eddie carried
F to Watt" this morn then went to the Fort: dug few Potatoes. After dinner picked Corn for C Warren. N
ironed some, K cooked as usual
6th Windy cold day. Eddie went to
Vass" with Brann & Gould to set up Corn Harvester. E wore great
Coat. girls put up few Crab apples & pickled some. I
mended hose then went out picked up quite a lot of apples the wind had blown off It
has been a very long day to me how I miss H more & more Home is changed
7th Nice
bright day, think not quite as cold, but chilly this eve. E & L cut
corn fodder in forenoon. E went out to Woods, afternoon went to jenkins to
get a man to cut his Corn; F came up to night. I peeled & put up 8 strings apples & picked up pail full girls done work. K is making Pearl some dresses out of boys cloaks It is cold must go to bed
8th
Another nice day, warmer but quite cool this eve E & L dug Potatoes in
afternoon 11 1/2 bush". After tea E went up got Mrs Seavey, then went to Watt" before he returned another boy
was added to his family I dressed Butter, put up 2 strings apples &
knit it is almost 11 will go to bed if not to sleep
9th Nice
day. Eddie went to Albion got Mrs Baker got back about 11 then carried Mrs S home. In afternoon Mrs B & K done some washing.
N very comfortable
10th Sabbath day, & before I got dishes washed in morn who should come in but Joan L I was glad to see her for I can have some one to talk with about 11 Albert Hodges drove to the door with Anson Crosby & wife: they did'nt come in, were going over to his Sisters Mrs Plummer I was glad to see them, it carried me back to days long ago when he worked for H O the changes since then I must not dwell on it as my head aches must go to bed F gone to Watt to night Rufus K & P carried Joan home after dinner
Letter from Amanda 12 with check 14.40
Sept 1899
11th
Nice cool day to wash. I helped K little so did Lib clothes dry & in as
it looks like rain: hope it will E worked on his Corn as he has to cut it by hand.
the wind blew it round so he cant cut with Machine. dark to night
12th
Dark gloomy day. Eddie went over in morn got his twine for corn, then he
& L worked on it. K cooked & ironed white clothes. washed dishes & knit little been
a long day
13th
Nice day & E has improved it. had
Millers to cut Corn & G Hodges helped in afternoon think all are
tired. K cooked. I washed
dishes & mended hose & knit N is getting along nicely. Stevie gone to Reading Club
14th
Another nice day. dressed Butter, knit & mended & washed dishes K
as usual cooked. Eddie was summoned to a Hodges trial, he went as far as
Watt" & Mattocks had settled it. got home before noon & he
& Lib dug Potatoes this afternoon
15th
Nice day quite cool. they dug 20 bush Potatoes Stevie went to C E meeting said there were 20 out Mr & Mrs Wms were up Churned , washed dishes
& mended
16th Nice day but had a frost last night. first we have had here, but in other places have had frost. K cooked. I took care of Milk & Butter, swept my room & knit & mended. E & K went to Watt & K Mills. E Pd Dr Webber up It has been a long day to me Twins 6 yrs old to day
17th
Beautiful day & eve. F & K gone to prayer meeting. Mr Wms & wife called. Annie came down this afternoon. I
have been quite busy seeing to hens & milk & washing dishes. my head aches will go to bed Thought I should go down to
H's grave where his body lies but time passed rapidly. does,nt seem like
Sunday
18th
Very warm day. K & L washed. I hung out white clothes, sun very hot Alice & Mabel Blakney called at the door, did'nt get out. M says she is gaining every day, but A looked sick, but said she was better E went down to Charles Drummond's in morn after
dinner went over to Mr Cain's & the Mills
19th Another warm day. they dug of Potatoes then Eddie
finished digging Potatoes to day had 90 Bush in all picked up & fixed corn house. I have helped K N was dressed &
sit up part of the day. a sociable at the Hall this eve. K, Stevie & Rufus & L gone up
20th Misty morn, began to rain about 9 & has rained little all day. Eddie & L threshed Beans & E burned out a pork Bl and salted his pork over. Mrs Baker colered a dress for K black, also 2 prs socks for Pearl got good color. I dressed Butter , ironed little, pressed cloth for L's shirts & mended some hose I have got a very lame back. Hattie Hodges called she is 55 yrs old & said Mr H is 59 this month 10 yrs older than Eddie how much I have thought of absent friends
sent letter to Asenath 25
Sept 1899
21st
Rained last eve, cleared off in night, bright forenoon after dinner it
looked like a shower, began to rain about 3 & does this eve E & L
finished threshing Beans had Mrs B fixing sacque for Mary. K cooked & ironed prints I have
mended hose, washed dishes & knit
22nd
Cleared off Moon shone bright before 10 last night. Nice day till about 4
Pm it began to rain E says cistern full
E went to the Mills & chored. I helped K about work. Mrs B been mending Coats . It is
cooler must go to bed Good Night
23rd
Cleared off, moon shone bright last night, cooler to night. Mrs Libby (Mrs
B's sister) came about 10, her husband went to Watt, came after her little after 3.
Eddie, L & Stevie picked rocks. K cooked & after dinner went
to Watt I helped & mended & knit
24th
Last night coldest this fall. this morn ground white with frost, some said
it spit snow. had snow up to Aroostook
Eddie carried Mrs B home she was here 14 1/2 days N Pd her 14 dollars. Stevie
gone up to meeting Mrs A Hodges & teacher called. I wrote to Wm's wife
25th
Cloudy morn but been a good day to wash. sun shone till most night, wind
has blown, clothes dry & B's brought them in. I have been busy all day. am very tired L helped K wash. Eddie plowed &
just at night got in Corn. It is very dark this eve & sprinkles
26th
Dark, rained little in afternoon, so E came up from plowing in pasture but went back.
Lib husked 15 Bush corn, Ned came home last night, has a lame wrist. Dr
told him it was the nerve, & he must rest it & not work I ironed
& helped. It has been a long day
27th
Beautiful day. Nellie moved down stairs. E & L hauled dressing put
round little apple trees. K cooked, Ned churned I dressed Butter, washed dishes, & knit.
Ned, K & Teacher gone to reading club
28th
Nice day. Eddie got ready for Threshers. after dinner he went down to C
Thomas to help him as Lib said he was sick, but he came down said he felt better so went down; in morn E picked what few
apples there was in garden. I mended hose, put up Butter & K cooked. after dinner she worked on her skirt N
takes care of Baby & has mended some. must go to bed
29th Threshers came this morn before we got up from the table. Ed" Bellows & a Webber: Eddie hired Jackins, Warren Fuller & Mr McCaslin helped so to keep straw all in the Barn. had 83 1/2 Bush" Barley
It spit snow to day while I was hanging
out clothes Oct 2nd
Letter from Sue 3rd
sent letter to Sue 5th
30th Cloudy morn rained little last night. Threshers got done about 9 & went down to C Warrens. Lib went helped C. Eddie & S cleared up Barn then E plowed & F & Rufus set up Corn husks just at night E hauled up some Corn & in eve they husked out 6 Baskets K cooked & cleaned front chamber, Mrs Merry & daughter called. I sewed L s shirt. N took care of Baby & helped Mary some
Oct 1st
Clear bright day but all say it was the coldest day we have had this fall. wind
blew hard Eddie went to Watt to get something for N in forenoon, went to
Church in afternoon, also K, M, S Rufus & Ruth. Mr Wms & wife called. good number out K, S & Rufus gone this eve.
Sam Jackins was married last eve by Mr Wms at his fathers. How different this eve from 27 yrs ago when we stood by Mother's dying bed. Hanes Burnham & wife & Asa have crossed over the river since & I still remain, may it be
for some wise purpose
2nd
Sunshine, clouds, & wind. Ned helped K about washing I hung Lib helped C Warren out the clothes& washed dishes, knit little N took care of Baby & helped. Eddie
plowed in ten acre field & at night got in some Corn. It is quite cold
to night
3rd Nice
day. Eddie plowed. K & N ironed. I took care Butter & sewed. Mrs
Mary Abbott called was glad to see her
4th
Another good day. Eddie went out to Jenkins & got in Corn. Nell had head ache in forenoon K cooked swept & sewed. I finished one of L s Shirts. Mr
Brann came just at night & stopped all night. E settled with him K & Ned Gone down to Warren Fullers. Stevie
& Mary gone to Reading Club
5th Nice
warm day. E & L hauled in Corn in forenoon, then plowed girls done work
& sewed. I mended hose in forenoon then began to clean milk room in
shed - Mr Kennison burried a child this afternoon grandchild of Nat Branns
6th Dark
Cloudy day. I have been at work in milk shed, and how often I have thought
of Hanes but his labor is done, & mine will soon be. hope
to be ready E & L fixed fence in forenoon, then plowed. it began to
rain little about 1/2 3. girls done work
7th Sunshine & wind, cleared off in night, rained but little Nell has had head ache most all day. K cooked, Mary helped, I picked 2 chickens, washed some dishes, mended C Thomas split 2 large rocks in pasture E helped then picked Corn they put Bush in Corn Barn. Frank came home to night so did G Cushman, 4 of them hired a team. C Warren started up river
sent letter to Amanda 13th
Oct 1899
8th Nice
day. all the children at home 4 went to Church Eddie had a
stiff neck. Ned carried F to Watt" after dinner as they were going to
start about 3. I have read some & thought more; K went down with Annie. Mr Wms stops this eve
9th
Cloudy in afternoon rained quite hard. Nell has'nt been up to day. she took little cold & her breast is caked & pains her; E Telephoned for Knox he sent word that he was thrown from his
I washed white clothes in tubs carriage was in bed, then he called Goodrich. He came said he was afraid she would have a broken breast, but I hope not. Baby has not nursed to day till this eve. K
has done well to take care of him & mother. she put on Flaxseed
poultice they began to shingle meeting house Ned went up said Mr Wms was
there & several others, but it rained did not do much
10th
Nice mild day. E churned then plowed.
L cleaned out Henhouse then husked Corn. Ned worked at the Church so
did Stevie Hodges & Mr Wms Ned
said there was quite a crew I think they finished it: a good job; Dr G in to night thinks if N is careful will not have much trouble with her
breast K puts on Flaxseed poultice. Baby got along nicely last night K slept with her Mother. must go to
bed, am very tired
11th Another mild day. they husked some
Corn. Ned went to Clinton in afternoon to a Grange fair. K Stevie & Teacher went in eve. she stopped with K. there was a great crowd. K washed
colored clothes. I washed dishes & made cookies & Lizzie Smiley
called: Dr in this eve. will
go to bed if not to sleep
12th
Quite mild. E & L husked Corn & Ned in forenoon. after dinner Ned
carried Butter to Depot. & E & L set Corn up on hay. to night is
getting in Corn K cooked I
washed dishes & helped. Nellie is up to day says her breast is'nt sore hope she wont get cold
13 Warm day. Eddie & C Thomas been building a bridge
across the brook to haul some Pine over. Churned been busy all day K & Mary went to the Mills got Mary a hat.
Lucy Hodges called. Ned went to Watt" for C Warren with Butter,
eggs & got sweet Potatoes. L
husked Corn
14th Nice warm day. E & C T got bridge done for now. all been busy I mended hose, knit little. K cooked in forenoon, after dinner she & Teacher went up & washed the windows to the Office at the Paper Mill. Mr Davis gave them 50 cts towards earning a dollar. they are going to have a sociable. The ladies are going to earn a dollar & tell how they earned it . going to repair Church this is the anniversary of H s Birth day, if living would be 79
Letter from Amanda with Check from G
Oct 1899
15th
Beautiful day. Eddie & 7 of children & L went to Church said he had'nt seen so many out for a long time.
It must be pleasing to Mr Wms ;
Stevie went down to Annies to tea. Alice Blakney came over in the
Cars. was here to tea after E got home. he Pearl & I went down to the graveyard. I
thought while there why am I spared: would it not have been better; if I
had gone with H
16th
Nice day. Eddie & Ned got in rest of the Corn & I am glad this
afternoon they hauled rocks to end of their Bridge Lib helped K about washing, did not finish as she had a large wash.
I mended pants for Lib, washed dishes & N got dinner. after
dinner E killed a little lamb
17th
Another warm day. E went to the Mills in morn he sold his lambs to Mr
Fuller of K Mills had 20 got 12.50' K finished washing & cooked & to night she & Ned gone to a dollar sociable at the Fort I dressed Butter & N, L, & Ned hauled rocks in afternoon
18th
Cloudy all day, rained little. Men pulled Beets & fenced round some so
to turn Cows in field. Eddie sold Mr Fish a small piece of land to set
stable on for 10 dollars. E gave him Deed of it to day & he paid him Ned
& L been husking this afternoon. I baked cookies & mended Ned s
pants K done work & ironed colored clothes. N mended E went to K Mills & to
Watt in afternoon. They got 80 dollars at the Fort last night. going to shingle & paint their Church
19th
Beautiful day. Eddie was drawn Juror to Augusta, went down got excused till
next Monday. K went to Watt in Cars. Lib
& Ned husked. N worked round & mended. I mended hose. will go to bed if not to sleep
20th
Sunshine & cloudy, rained very little this morn. Eddie, Ned & Lib
worked on the road down to their Bridge K cooked. N helped & took care of Baby. I
began a shirt for L. after dinner I went up to Eliza Bartons, made a call,
while there Mrs Colcord & Hennrietta Hinds called Ned gone down to the
Grange. Kate Stevie, Mary & Rufus gone up to C E meeting. quite cool this eve
21st
Nice day. E & boys worked on their road forenoon. after dinner
, E & Stevie went to Watt got S a suit of clothes. K went over to Mrs
Blakneys. Alice going to help her on a dress. N & girls done work I sewed on
Ls shirt took care of Butter & knit
22nd
Pleasant but quite cool. Eddie & 6 children went to Church, good No'
out. Stevie, K, M & Rufus gone this eve. I have washed dishes & read but feel tired
Letter from Asenath 24th
Letter from Sue 30th
Oct 1899
23rd
Cloudy part of day but sun shines to night. K & Lib washed. I washed dishes & finished up Ls shirt.
Eddie & went to Albion got Mrs Baker to sew last
night. she has made 1 pair Pants for Rufus & cut another pair out of Fs
old army blue. been planning coats for twins out of old army coat. she is very good for planning & sewing.
Eddie went to Augusta this morn; I miss him very much
24th
Quite cold & frosty morn. Ruth brought in quite a piece of Ice. Ned & L worked on road to their Bridge
Mrs B got another pair of pants done for Rufus & cut out 2 coats for twins. I ripped up coat, also one of Ks to make pants for twins washed
dishes. 6 oldest children home gone up to Hall to an Entertainment, also Lib.
N & k been busy all day
25th
Beautiful day, warm. Ned & L hauled old wood from the yard in forenoon.
then L husked Corn & Ned K cooked some. right after dinner she
went to the hall to help wash dishes then she came home & she & Rufus went to Watt" see the Dr. R has tumor in his face. I mended
hose & washed dishes. K says they got 50 dollars last night Mrs B gets along finely
26th
Nice warm day. N & L hauled loads of dressing down in pasture. girls done work & sewed C Thomas began to cut Pine. I have been busy if I dont do much O
I miss E more every day, seems as though all was gone
27th
Cloudy all day rained little in morn. C T came up & went to the corner
with Ned came back at 11 so worked 1/2 day, Ned & L hauled dressing in afternoon. L husked in
forenoon. girls done
Mrs B got Coats done & made Pants for Ralph work & sewed. I
made pair sleeves put in Es shirt & finished twins stockings. It has
been a long lonely day
28th
Dark lonely day, rained little. they finished husking I
Mrs B has got Petticoat done Churned & washed dishes. K cooked & sewed. N washed
floors & helped; L has sawed some wood.
Eddie got home before dark & glad was I to see him and while at tea who should walk in but Frank. he had tooth ache several days, so came to Watt" had it filled. will go to bed as I did'nt sleep very well last night had Cramp in foot
29th
Dark, cloudy, rained little. Eddie, Nell & 6 children went to Church:
but few out. it has been a long day to me and I find that it tires me when
I read good deal will go to bed
30th Beautiful day, but windy. E went to Augusta this morn K & her mother washed. I hung out clothes washed dishes & mended Mrs B made 2 waists for boys Stevie & twins pulled beets & turnips Ned & L hauled dressing F has chored round & this eve he & Ned & Kate gone to a Grange sociable at the Fort C T worked all day
Letter from Rufus Nov 1st Nov" 1899
Mrs Alfred Getchell was buried Nov 2nd
sent letters to Sue & Rufus 6th
Oct 31st
Cloudy all day. Ned & L plowed some & picked some rocks &
hauled in Beets & turnips. C T here.
Mrs B has made 2 more waists. I have mended pants for Rufus & S Nell & girls done work & ironed some.
K cooked & sewed on her dress. It is very dark this eve & it
is lonesome all alone
Nov" 1st
Dark, misty, rained some. just before tea who should walk in but Eddie. Case of murder in Winslow on Sand Hill on the docket so E was excused till next
Monday the 6th & how
glad I am for I can hear him when he talks N has ironed, been busy & so
have all. Mrs B worked on a wrapper for Nell
K helped & sewed on her dress. I fixed shirt for Stevie &
mended hose & thought of friends, not lost but gone before
2nd
Bright but cold & very windy. E put in cellar windows &
C T here banked henhouse. Ned
plowed. after dinner E & K went to Watt". N & Mary cooked & washed some I
mended hose & knit. Mrs B fixed dress for Ruth & finished Ns dress. 3 yrs ago about this time, my best Earthly friend entered the Spirit land. know not why I am spared
3rd
Beautiful day. chilly but not as cold. E plowed in forenoon after dinner he
& Rufus went to Clinton got 2 axes. Ned & L picked rocks. Mr Wms & wife took dinner. he went to the corner, it seemed good to have
Mr Wms ask a blessing at table she stopped here. Mrs
B made 2 waists for N then fixed dress for Mary. I mended pants for Eddie K cooked & sewed. N ironed some
all busy how many times I have thought of 3 yrs ago to day
4th
Cloudy all day & rained. Eddie went to the Mills got saw fixed in morn.
after dinner he set some glass N & girls done work. I mended & knit. Mrs B fixed
dress for Mary; It has been a lonesome day.
will go to bed if not to sleep
5th
Beautiful day. very different from 3 yrs ago to day when dear H was carried
from his Earthly home to his last resting place, when it rained hard; but he heeded it not: although his body was laid
in the ground I hope & trust he was with his Heavenly Father in Heaven
may I so live as to meet him & never part. Eddie & 6
children been to church. S & K gone this eve. Mrs C where K sewed at Watt" & Alice Blakeny here to tea. will go to bed
6th
Cloudy & windy. Eddie went to Augusta but the judges mother had died
& they adjourned till Wends". got home about 3 PM K &
C T here her mother washed part.
Mary & I hung out clothes I mended pants for Ned & coat for
Mary & knit
They began on Church 13th School began13th
kept by Miss Atwood
Nov 1899 C T here
7th
Beautiful warm day. E churned, put on double windows in sitting room then went into the woods. Ned & L plowed Little & hauled dressing.
Stevie cut up some wood by road & to night he & Ned gone to K Mills to a play & Kate gone down to
Horace Howards to a reception. he was married short time ago. K went with Jo Reed. They met last
eve to see about repair of Church E & N went
8th Nice
warm day, quite a cold morn. E went to Augusta & he was discharged. Another jury on a murder case. I
was glad to see him come home. Ned plowed for C Thomas was not here Stevie in woods most of the day. L
sawed some wood at the door N & K cleaned sitting room & little
Entry. N oiled floor. I mended
hose & pants. work steady but dont accomplish much
9th Warm
& very foggy could not see the mill till noon. Eddie, S & George
been in woods. Ned plowed for C T N
& K cleaned front halls. I have mended. been in my room alone,
have thought of yrs gone by. how changed
10th Nice
bright day. Ned plowed in upper field. E & L in woods
C T here in afternoon. N
& K cleaned in all chambers. I mended & made some cookies & Mary Maid of all work think she must be
tired for I am
11th
Nice morn but clouded up. E went to the Mills in forenoon, then hauled few
logs to the mill for the Church & in the woods.
C T here Ned finished plowing in upper field, then did the garden
N & K went to Watt". Baby got along nicely. Miss Atwood stops here to night. is
going to keep our school this winter boards at A Hodges I have mended & washed dishes & helped take care of Luther. It snows little this eve
12th Sunday no meeting snowed & blowed all day - Miss Atwood came from Watt in Cars, she called, it snowed - she stopped all night K carried her down to Mr Hs to night wind sounds lonesome will go to bed C T here
13th Bright windy day. Eddie
hauled few logs to mill L helped about the washing. I washed dishes &
mended mittens. C T stops here to night.
I finished my stockings & took up a pair of mittens for L I put Blankets on my bed last night
14th Nice day E went to Watt, got thick jacket & cops leggings Eddie & L hauled dressing in forenoon, then Ned & L did E went to the Mills. N & K finished washing. I mended C T here mittens & washed dishes, have thought of friends over the river
Paper from Rufus 16th
Nov 1899
15th
Quite a cold morn, snowed little, then rained little towards night. N & Kate went to Watt" after dinner to see
Dr Mary helped take care of Baby. I
mended little Ned & L hauled dressing . Eddie went over to D Simpsons bought a Bobsled in forenoon then worked in woods. Henry Richards came last night began work. a large
family only 16 to night, hope E will prosper
16th
Nice day. E churned, hauled few logs to mill, then went to Mill. girls done
work. I dressed Butter & mended on Ss Coat N & K cleaned in Bedroom & N is ironing this eve think she must be tired
for I am; have thought of bygone days
17th
Beautiful day. E went after Saw then went into wood Henry did'nt work, had lame wrist. Ned
& e killed a sheep & L hauled dressing, this eve N & K gone to
Grange. it is a beautiful eve, children out sliding. N & K cooked & cleaned some. I
got Stevies coat mended & then began on stockings to mend tis cold must
go to bed
18th
Mild, cloudy day, rained little. Eddie chored & went into woods. Ned & L hauled dressing. K cooked all day. N washed floors & put carpet down in her bedroom & I have mended hose & mittens &
knit & as I am hard of hearing, my thoughts have wandered far away. My
prayer is "nearer my God to thee" May I not murmur
19th
Cloudy lonesome day to me. Eddie & children went to Church meeting in
the hall. none this eve. I have read & washed some dishes, but feel
tired will go to bed
20th Cloudy, rained in morn. men did'nt work in woods. E got some old plaster from the Church & some gravel to put at Barn door. Ned fixed Stall then he & L hauled dressing. N & K washed white clothes, wind blew, & they got dry & are in folded I mended, & took care of milk & Hens & washed some dishes I is 73 yrs old lives alone
21st
Beautiful day. E went up to Isaac Reeds got some axe handles. after dinner went to C Warrens. I
went down to
Steve H is 21 yrs old Hatties, got back about 4 I mended. N finished washing. K cooked
22 Cloudy,
little snow & rain. C T here to breakfast went into wood but did'nt come to dinner. K & N cleaned some in butry I mended as usual. E
went to Mills & Ned got some sand for Church from great river; then went to Watt.
must go to bed as I did'nt sleep well last night heard that Scarlet
fever is in winslow out by Baptist house also over to K Mills
23rd Sunshine & clouds. Eddie & N hauled dressing & L shoveled it over. girls done work & cleaned in kitchen & I have mended little & thought more; have little cold
sent Box Butter to Oldtown 28th
24 lbs
Letter to Amanda 29th
Nov" 1899
24th
Nice warn day. Ned & L hauled dressing.
girls worked & ironed little. Nell has little cold, so has Baby
& Pearl. early this morn Mr Brann came & Eddie went with him to
China & Albion
25th
Sunshine & cloudy. this morn who should come but Frank Gifford he
wanted E to go to Unity with him so he went. got home before dark. Children wanted shoes, so Nell took Rufus, Mary & twins & went to K
Mills. K has cooked most all day. I
hav'nt done much have a bad cold in my head, if for the best hope it will be better soon. boys got their dressing out. am glad
26th Sun
& cloudy. Eddie & 7
children been to Church in the hall. Mr Wms & wife stopped here to tea. It seems like a dream when I think that E & N were married 25 yrs ago to
night what changes since! Hanes,
Burnham, wife & Willie & Asa have passed over the river(that were here) & I still live, I know not
why. My prayer is "Nearer my God to thee"
27th
Bright morn then it clouded up. girls & L washed I hung out white clothes & helped some & mended E went got horse shod, then hauled some water as cistern is low. Henry came about 10 L had head ache
but cleaned hen house
28th
Nice day. Eddie got his Sled home from Cains. Henry R worked till noon, wrist lame & he went home. Ned
& L in woods afternoon. I dressed Butter washed some dishes mended
& knit girls cooked & N ironed some. after dinner K went to the corner I
have mended & thought of friends
29th
Nice warm day, but freezing to night. Eddie has been to Fairfield & Watt, Ned been in house this afternoon most sick with a cold. L
been in woods. K & N cooked & ironed little. I've mended all day, when not taking care of milk & hens & finished L s mittens. feel tired
30th
Thanksgiving day. Had a nice dinner. & I tried to be thankful. Teacher was here, also C T
as he worked & E worked & G H. girls got dinner, I mended. K &
teacher washed dishes, then they all went down on Mr Woods meadow skating. this eve Stevie & K gone up to Mr Taylors
L worked in woods part of the day & went to corner
Dec" 1st Dark cloudy day. In morn Mr Bean called. Eddie went to Depot to see about a rake ; after dinner he & Ned hauled 2 loads Hay from Lunt Barn; Ned & K gone to Grange this eve it is very dark, looks like rain; I wiped in my room & then mended I dressed Butter knit. K cooked & N cleaned dish closets Baby did'nt sleep very well last night
Letter from Sue Dec" 4th
Dec" 1899
2nd
Rained quite hard in morn so men did'nt work in woods. Eddie went over to get his Saw. Sun shone bright at noon, so E & L got 2 loads hay
home. Ned fixed stall Nell & girls done work . I have sewed on Pearls
quilt. been in my room as children are all home, tis more quiet Perry Smiley had a Shock several weeks ago
has'nt spoke since. they think he knows them & swallows hi
liquid food
3rd
Beautiful day. Eddie & 6 children went to Church Mr French preached. I should like
to go if I could hear. hope I shall not become a burden to any
one. while sitting in my room, a thought arose, if so fortunate as
to enter Heaven shall I hear; good night. will go to bed
4th Dark
rained some. so men did'nt work in woods.
Eddie got home last of Lunt hay had 6 loads. girls washed white clothes. afternoon
Nell went up to the church help take off paper, they have got it off. Kate
took care of Baby. I have mended & knit
What a changing world! 4 yrs ago to night many friends called & all seemed to enjoy the evening.
some of the number have crossed over the river, Cob" D & Augustine & one that I could talk
with, but the scene is changed & I am alone
5th Nice
day froze hard, wind blew & has to day. I put out white clothes & washed 2 dresses. L helped Nell wash colored ones. K
cooked & sewed this is my 77th Birthday. I cannot realize that I am 17 yrs older
than my Father was when he died. we used to wait on him, thought him old
6th Nice
day. clothes dry & in & Nell & K got most of them ironed.
Eddie & L been in woods most all day. E killed a small lamb. I
worked on twins old coats. It is quite cold. E put Lamp in trough at Barn. heard Charles Cain had Pneumonia
7th Nice
day. C T & Ned in woods. George absent. L had head ache. Mr Wood killed a hog, E helped. girls
cooked. N finished ironing. I dressed Butter & finished mending boys coats. heard
that Mrs Roundy had a shock at 2 PM & died at 5
8th
Snowed very little this morn. Frank got home last night was out there 11
weeks & to day went to Watt to get his trunk bought a Bl Apples at Vienna (of a man who had 100 Bls) they cost him at Watt" 2.00. they are nice. then he cut up hog. girls done work. I mended hose & Neds coat
9th Nice
day. Eddie hauled browse put round Barn & strawberries girls
done work. Kate went to Watt stops there to night. I have mended Coats
all day. Joan L came about 3; Lib went to K Mills in afternoon
10th Quite a cool day. Mr Wms exchanged with the Hallowell minister. Eddie & six children went to Church. E said a good Sermon. E carried Joan she is 82 up to Mrs G Reeds this morn
Sent Letter to Sue 11th
Sent letter to Wm G Hunt & to the Con" paper 16
Dec 1899
11th
Cloudy all day . N & L washed white clothes & stockings in tubs. F
went into woods cut his foot little about an inch then went to work on body for Sled.
E salted pork, hauled water then went into woods,& Ned too I
washed dishes & mended besides taking care of milk & hens. will go
to bed
12th
Cloudy, windy day. clothes dry & in.
Eddie & L in woods F at work in Barn. Ned washed wagon then went with Saw to get filed to K Mills. It
began to rain about 3 PM & wind blew hard K has cooked all day. N washed some & done little of everything
I mended, hung out some clothes & talked to the hens
13th
Beautiful day. This is Wms
Birth day 81. wish I could see him, hope we shall meet in the better
Land "Nearer my God to thee" Eddie & L been in woods all
day. F, Ned & K been to Grange meeting at the Fort N got dinner. I mended I have been reading, am sleepy will go to bed
14th Nice warm day. Eddie & L in
woods all day. F in Barn Ned began to wash & oil double harnesses. K cooked. N finished ironing. I mended hose. heard that a man at Watt went to cross the track, was run over by the Cars & killed ; also a Mr Gerald at great river was threshing went home Sat" night &
died Sunday. I must stop
15th
Snowed little last night. C T came they worked till 11 and it rained so
they came in. C went home but it cleared up, sun shone & this eve moon
shines bright & wind blows hard & tis cold. F, Ned & K gone to Grange. Churned
& wrote to Wm & to G Hunt; girls cooked & done work
16th
Nice bright day. In morn E went to mill, then in woods. Ned got harnesses
oiled. F got his work on sled body done, went to K Mills afternoon K cooked. N mended, so did I. It has been a very lonely day for me all alone
17th
Cloudy, spit snow little. Eddie & 6 children went to Church. I should like to go if I could hear. It has been rather sad day for me ,
thinking of friends (not lost) but gone before. This is the 53rd anniversary of Katie's birth, how changed is my house, only Eddie & I left
18th
Cloudy foggy day. girls & L got white clothes in tubs. I have washed some dishes, & mended. Eddie
hung a Boom in stream, then hauled few logs. Ire held horses on the shore. Ned got Lady shod, had to go to K Mills. F gone to Watt.
Militia meet. must go to bed
19th Dark foggy day, rained little. Eddie & Ned hauled some logs. F went to Watt, got a chance to work in Car shop begins tomorrow morn. Ned carried him down to night. pretty dark girls done work & mended. I have also
Letter from Amanda with check from G 23
Dec 1899
20th
Cleared off last night, been warm to day. Eddie , Ned in woods, just at
night a stick of Pulp wood fell on Ned's shoulder he cant lift his arm. Eddie gone after Dr. N & L washed colored clothes K done work.
I mended an old Coat for E
21st Beautiful
day. seems like Spring. E churned then went into woods. Dr came up last night, said Ned's shoulder is'nt out of joint but hurt the
muscle. it is better to day, carries his hand in a sling. am glad tis no worse for he felt very bad.
N made a pan of head cheese. I dressed Butter then ironed most of
white clothes. got very tired. K
went to Watt" in afternoon, gone up to rehearse for Christmas. S, K.
M, A & Ruth went skating on Wood meadow last eve
22nd
Cloudy morn, began to rain little after 9 AM so men came out of the woods. did'nt work although in afternoon did not
rain much. Eddie got horses shod & Ned got cross cut saw filed. after dinner E & Ned fixed Sled. about
4 Ned carried Edith Wms home, she stopped with K last night. several teams were up from Winslow to rehearse.
K cooked. N Ironed & I mended hose. will go to bed as I did'nt
sleep very well last night
23rd
Nice day. E & L in woods all day. girls cooked, washed floors. I made sack for Luther& mended. am
very tired to night
F came home to night Ned,
Stevie, & Lib gone over river, a Christmas tree
at M Chapel
24th
Sunshine & clouds. Eddie did'nt go to Church. 6 children went. F, Ned, K & Stevie gone to Winslow to a Concert I
have read till my eyes ache. have lived with friends to day "Not lost
but gone before" Amanda wrote that Emily (Morrison) Ayer died the 13th was 19 1/2 yrs old; had apoplexy. soon it will be said that I have done my work: may it be well done
25th
Christmas has come again, and as Susan wrote me "I shall be glad when it is over" Nellie & Rufus went down to get little present for Mr Wms she got 15 dollars and at
night got 3 more so had 18. I am glad, for he has worked on Church &
done well, they had a little tree & then sung they were up from Winslow had 4 or 5 Violins & E Patterson had Bass Viol. could hear the singing , but it was rough. Eddie & 7
children or part went. 4 youngest staid at home as we had our presents at
home. but the Teacher Atwood hung some so did Lucy Crosby for her S S
class. In eve Nell was taken with a severe pain in her left arm & up
into her neck. I bathed it. but she said it was like the jumping tooth
ache. did'nt sleep much. Katie sleeps with her & takes care of Baby
26th Nice morn. Nell not much better, did'nt sit up any. K poulticed it & bathed it. took care of Baby & cooked some I washed little Eddie hauled in logs. L had head ache F went to Watt" after the Concert last night in Cars. I must go to bed, as it was late last night & my head aches. How often I thought of Hanes & Asa yesterday & poor Sue
Paper from Linton Hinds 29
Dec" 27th
Nice day, but cooler. E Telephoned to Dr G.
he came up said N had taken little cold & Neuralgia was the cause E
& L in woods. Ned helped me about the Butter. I am very tired will go to bed: O
how I miss H when I'm so tired
28th
Clear, bright cold day. Nell is better, so she got up & dressed this
afternoon. Dr in , told her she must be careful & not get cold; Eddie
getting in logs. Lib last night coming out of Post Office slipped sprained
his ankle little, hope not much. he helped K about washing colored clothes I made some
cookies & ironed some. Mary staid at home to help. I was very tired when I got done ironing, hope I shall rest to night
29th
Nice cold morn, but about 10 AM it began to snow little & has at times. does
this eve. Eddie hauled logs. Lib
in woods his ankle is better. he got pair of worsted Slippers from his
Sister in Cal" K cooked, waited on her mother & Baby. N has'nt been up to day, but says she feels better to night. I have done little of everything & not much either Ned hauled 2 loads limbs up to door. E
gone to Blacksmiths at corner got Sled fixed Saw in paper that D L Moody was dead:
a great loss to the world. Dr G said Ed" Towne was at work on
Gerald's house, fell & broke his hip
30th
Another nice day, but cold morn. E hauled logs. Ned & Stevie hauled up little wood to the house. K
cooked M helped. I ironed colored clothes & mended. Dr was in. N dont get much better. Flo" Warren called to night
31st Sunshine & some clouds; 6 children went to Church E nor K did not go as N is in bed. Dr in said he did not want her to get up till he came again hope she will get better soon, as it makes it hard for Kate. F came up this morn gone back to night. House & Stable burnt last night at Watt & we saw a fire this eve. last day of the year and how have I spent it. hope the few remaining days that I live may be spent in serving my Heavenly Father & doing all I can for Eddie & his family; God alone knows my heart & the motive that promts me wish to die
G Learned fixed pump 6