John W
John W. Gardiner's
Book Bought Jan. 30th of W § G Winchester, Kansas
Fri. Jan.
1. Started for llwo^th but was too late for the train. Then Uncle and
myself went over to Tommy's and had lots of fun. Was going to Fairview but
it turned cold and we didn't go. Then the boys got some oysters and invited
some of the young folks to Aunt Em's and we had a fine time. Staid till 12
o'clock a.m. Went to bed at one o'clock to think of the next day.
Sat. Jan. 2, Weather clear § cold. Got in the sleigh and started
west. Got there; found her working but got her in the notion of going. Got
home about 1 o'clock. Found the young folks all assembled. Then came
dinner. After dinner we enjoyed ourselves as we thouglt. Last about dark we
betook us on the sleighs and brought up at Billy's house, and for fun went
in. Went home about 11 o'clock. Rather cold
Sun. Jan. 3. Weather
.cold and very stormy. Did not go to church as proposed, but staid at home
and had some music. After dinner started home with my Girl and nearly froze
to death. Arrived home with her about dark. Her mother said that she
wouldn't let her go ; any more unless I would tell her when I would bring
her back. Got home about 9 o'clock with one upset.
Mon. Jan. 4.
Started from Tom Tabler's at 8 o'clock and got to Savannah at 12 and just
as we were getting out of town the wheel dropped into a rut § broke
the axle. Then went back £ got it fixed. At 3 we again started. Roads
very rough and weather cold. Mare went a little better. Arrived in St. Joe
about h past 6 o'clock. Stopped Mo. Valley House
Wed. Jan. 6.
Tidewater, Washington Terr.
Wed. Jan. 13. Write 2 simple
sentences and rewrite them into compound without changing the sense. It
cannot be done is my opinion and it was from beyond a doubt that was the
case in our recitations. Institute Leavenworth, Kansas, July. 1875. John W.
Gardiner
Thurs. Jan 28. School closed and everything passed off
pleasantly. Had some visitors and they thought I done a good work all
around and especially in Reading, but as that was the only thing I could
dress parade in at this time, I said nothing.
Fri. Jan. 29. Went
up to Henson's and found Asa Barnes there and got my money and started
home, but before I started had a chat with the girls. Went down and met
Ellerman's girls but did not stop long. Went over to Murrays and stayed
till after dinner and had lots of fun with the two Emmas.
Mon.
Feb. 8. In the morning went home to see Pa. Then came back and went to town
and staid till the train came in, then got in the buggy and went home with
Uncle Ad and found Prof. McKee there and had a good time singing and
playing. Concluded to go to Mo. with the folks. Went to town after supper
with Uncle Pete; then went home.
Tues. Feb. 9. Weather cold; east wind, but we started
nevertheless which brought on some cold feelings before we had gotten far
when we (had) to stop and warm. Missed our road and away north of the poor
farm. Turned back and found ourselves at Jim Trimble's about 5 o'clock but
they didn't know us till we told them who we were. Cold yet.
Wed. Feb. 10. We were at Jim Trimble's and it was snowing so that we
didn't start out. Went rabbit hunting (. ) hills but was too cold for us,
and we returned to the house. But took another hunt for quails and caught
two. After dinner played hullgull, then I went over with Frank and his wife
and staid with them. Weather cold.
Thurs. Feb. 11. Started for
Atchison from Uncle Ben's about 10 o'clock. Arrived in Atchison at 11
o'clock and got on the train for Leavenworth at 12:30 and we got our dinner
and the wagon fixed and started for St. Joe at % past 2 p.m. and lost our
way following wood roads, but arrived at our destination tired and cold at
% past 7 o'clock.
Fri. Feb. 12. Left St. Joe for Savannah and
got there at half past 10 o'clock. From whence we traveled to 15 miles and
arrived at 1 o'clock. Took dinner with Dr. Trower, then started for Graham
where we arrived about 5 o'clock and found the folks all well but not
looking for us.
Sat. Feb. 13. Not very well. Weather cold §
clear with snow on the ground. Went over to Pink's and took dinner. Came
back and went around town and saw a beautiful country off towards the N.W.
which looks like Kans. very much. After supper went over to Pink's and
played Authors till bedtime. Took some pills and went to bed.
Sun. Feb. 14. Clear and pleasant. Went to C. Church and heard Bro. Trapp
preach. Came home but did not feel the best in the world yet. After dinner
we had some music, though indisposed myself. Then went over in the evening
to hear the M. E. Preacher and heard some of the finest music in Mo. Came
to the conclusion that the preacher didn't know much.
Sat. Feb.
20. Sun rose clear. Commenced to snow about 8 o'clock. Stopped about 12
o'clock. Took dinner with Pink § Jennie.
Sun. Feb. 21. The
day (was) clear and warm. Went to social meeting with Pink then went over
to his house, and took dinner. After dinner we all went to Sunday School
and heard plays. Fletcher came home then Snyder § Rea came in and we
had a fine sing and lots of fun. Played Authors till 9 o'clock then went to
bed but not to sleep.
Mon. Feb. 22. Went to Maryville which is
quite a place. And in which they seem to do a good deal of business. Saw
the Co. Supt. and found out the condition of school affairs. Arrived home
about 4--. After supper Pink and Jennie came over and we had a sing.
Weather cloudy, muddy and disagreeable. Plenty of snow on the ground for
sleighing except in the roads.
Tues. Feb. 23. Commenced to
snow early in the morning. About 11 o'clock turned to rain the remainder of
the day. Not very cold. This evening was Pink's appointment for a music
class, but the night was so bad that no one came our or but a few. We sang
them some songs. Came home and played "Old Maid".
Wed. Feb. 24.
Cloudy and unpleasant with occasional spits of snow throughout the day.
Commenced to study the horse ferrier in order to find out what was the
matter with the mare, but came to no definite conclusion. In the evening,
went up to hear the first band play, then came home and played "Authors"
until bedtime. Weather clear.
Thurs. Feb. 25. Weather fair. Mare
no better but drank some water. Went and read the news at the store.
Nothing of importance to write about. After dinner Jennie came over and we
had a good time generally. After supper played "Authors" then went to the
P.O. but no letters. Came back. Mare better.
Fri. Feb. 26. Wind
from the north and very cold and cloudy. Mare some better and ate and drank
some. Heard from Kansas about the destitution of the people and folks
through Uncle John . Took dinner with Pink and Jennie and stayed and read
Harpers and talked with Jennie about home folks. Came back to Joe's and
wrote some in this book.
Sat. Feb. 27. Clear and nice; thawing
some. Took the mare out and drove across the river. Saw a beautiful
country. Came home £ went up to the store and saw the business. Then
after supper went to hear the first band entertainment in the Hall. The cry
of fire was heard during the entertainment, which created some emotion. The
concert was not very good. The "Sword of Bunker Hill" was miserably
rendered by A. Snyder.
Sun. Feb. 28. Wind from the south and
murky looking ( ) all day. Went to social meeting at 11 o'clock. Came home
and stayed there all day. Concluded not to go to church that evening. This
(is) the warmest day since the 1st. Most of the snow gone. Went to bed with
the intention of starting home the next day provided the weather was
good.
Mon. March 1. Weather cold, windy § cloudy. Got ready
§ started for Kan. from Uncle Joe's about 10 o'clock. Found the road
very rough and the mare got lame $ seemed stiff but came on. Stopped at
Trowers and saw Jim. Came on though the mare was very lame. Concluded to go
to Arizona. Stopped at Tom Tabler's £ found some of my old
schoolmates. Weather clear but cold at 10 o'clock.
Tues. March
2. Started from Tom Tabler's at 8 o'clock. The roads from there were very
rough to Savannah, where we arrived about 12 o'clock in the suburbs. As we
were coming out our buggy wheel dropped into a hole and the axle broke and
then we had to go back and get it fixed. Then we got our dinner at the St.
Charles House. At 3 o'clock we rolled out for St. Joe and found the road
very good. Got into town at 7 o'clock. Weather cold.
Wed. March
3. Got our breakfast at Mo. Valley and went down in town § saw the
sights. Came back and started at % past 6 o'clock and wound around down the
river back about 6 miles out of our way, but finally got on the ridges
where it was some better. Arrived at Doniphan about 4 o'clock and
learned
that the bridge had washed away
which took us out of our way 6 miles more. Got into Atchison about dark,
but came on to Jim Trimble's and found some of them sick. Road muddy.
Thurs. March 4. Started from Jim's about 9 o'clock. Road very
rough and horses about played out. Wind from the east and very chilly.
Arrived Mt. Pleasant at 11 o'clock. Came on to Oak Grove and saw Tom
Kearley at his school but did not stop. Arrived at home about % 3 o'clock
and found the folks all well. The horses were about played out.After we had
been in the house % hour it began to snow and at 9 o'clock was still
snowing. Wind from the east and rather cold.
Fri. March 5. Wind
from the north and cold. Not very well. Staid at home all day and found
that the folks were not in as bad condition as reported, but bad enough.
Went up to Tommy's after supper and had quite a talk with him and his. From
there went to singing and saw some of my friends though the school was very
small. Roads were rough and wind from the north and cloudy at 11.
Sat. March 6. Went up to town in the morning and staid all day. Wind from
the north and somewhat cold, though the roads were muddy. Found
considerable corn buying going on at 75 cts., but not so much trading in
the store as usual but strictly on the cash system. The stock here does not
look so well as they do up in Graham. Saw my friend Tom who is talking of
studying medicine and teaching this summer.
Sun. March 7.
Weather fine and clear. Roads muddy and rough. Went out to see my girl and
found a sick man there, and had lots of fun about the milk belt and told
the folks the history of it and all about my trip to Graham and to poor
farm. Rather cold coming home and road frozen and rough. Concluded to go to
Mo. if no preventing hinderance, and I can get away from this rotten
country.
Mon. March 8. Uncle Pete and I started to town in the
morning and staid all day. I went down to the Academy and staid all
afternoon and view(ed) the workings of that learned institution, but must
say that the thing is overrated, in my opinion. In the evening went up to
hear my old teacher, Prof. Wherrell, and heard some sound doctrine, but it
hit some of our fellow teachers rather hard.
Tues. March 9. Went
up to town and made a call on Mattie T. and found out what the girl wanted.
Staid till ( ). Came down as far as Aunt Em's, then went back to town.
Roads very muddy. Weather fair as the day previous. Staid till 4. Came and
started out west but got there too late. The bird had flown and left me in
the suds. But I staid and talked to her father till 10, then started for
home.
Wed. March 10. Weather fair and warm. Staid at home till
after dinner. Wrote a postal card to Rus Rogers and a letter to Uncle Joe.
Dick and Uncle Pete started for Atchison on mules. The roads were in a very
bad condition. Wind changed into S. east about noon; clouded up and looked
like rain about dark, but hadn't rained any at 9 o'clock.
Thurs.
March 11. Wind in the northwest and rather cold and cloudy. Stayed
at home until noon, then went to town. Roads getting dryer. Started
home but stopped at Aunt Emfs and found lots of girls there, of my old
schoolmates, and had fun and music all 'round, though I had seen them more
jovial in former times, but then they are getting older and more sedate.
Weather clear at 10 o'clock.
Fri. March 12. Weather fair and
clear. Stayed at home till noon, after which Pa and I went over to Frank
Singleton's and measured the oats ground. Then came to John Guyin's and
measured his grass ground. Came home and after supper went to singing
school and found a tolerable good crowd there. We sang a few of our old
songs, then tackled some new ones.
Sat. March 15. This was the
finest day of the season and the mud is almost dried up. Stayed at home
until noon, then went up to town and read the news and had a general talk
all around with acqut. Came home and (got) ready for the party at Billy
Kirk's. We met at Wilhelm's, got ready and marched down to Billy's and had
a jolly good surprise of it.
Sun. March 14. Weather fair in the
morning with wind from the S.W. but changed about 8 o'clock into the N. W.
and began to cloud up and get colder. Went to Church and Bro„
Holiday preached. Went home with Tommy and wife, and took dinner. After
dinner Vina Jane and Flora Fairholm came in and we had a good time
generally. Went to church again at night. Weather worse. Some rain and
getting colder,
Mon. March 15. Snowed during the night, and the
wind blew from the north W. and kept it up all day. Rather disagreeable.
Sat in the house all day and at night went to church. Very few out and not
much singing. Looked for Dick on the train but he did not come as he
promised, so it kept us in a bad fix. Came home from church at 9 o'clock.
Wind still bloitfing from the N. W. and rather cold.
Tues. March
16. Wind blowing from the north W. in a regular business. Colder than the
day before though no snow falling. I didn't go to town at all, but stuck to
my sedantary habits tolerably well. Did not go out only for wood. Dick came
home about 4 o'clock and heard from Jim's all nearly well. So cold that did
not (go) to church. No letters.
Wed. March 17. Weather cloudy.
Wind from the east and rather raw. Dick went to town and I came home for
dinner. About 4 o'clock went back to town. Got a letter from Harv Johnson.
Had a talk with Dr. Crook of the llworth Herald on Grammar and learned
something from him on the question. Went to church. Not many there and no
services worth much.
Thurs. March 18. Wind from the east and
very cold. No thaw all day. Afternoon went to town and went home with Joe
Murray in the wagon and found the roads rough and got cold as Greenland.
Some rain in the afternoon and it began to snow a little about 4 o'clock
but did not snow much. Wind moved in the north. Found the folks all well
and looking well.
Fri. March 19. Snowed in the morning for a
little while there. It was not so cold as in the night. Wind from the N.
About 10 the sun came out. Went over to see the folks and found them all
well. Got my books and started home and got home about % nast 1 o'clock.
Went to town after four. Got a letter from Mollie or Ciss <f did. Went
to singing school. Not so cold as in the morning.
Sat.
March 20. Cloudy in the morning and rather cold. In the afternoon cleared
away § was pleasant. Stayed at home until noon, then went to town and
found out where I could get a school perhaps, but (did) not see the (sic)
any of the "Board". About out of debt; owe only Jurcon and that not much.
Saw Marion Hall in town, who asked me to come out to my school and see
him.
Sun. March 21. Wind from the N. W. and clear. Looked like
dry weather. Went out to see my Girl and found her not looking for me and
learned on the road that Jno. Burn(?) had died the day before. Learned
about the Exhibition and told why I didn't come. Came home about 13 (?)
o'clock. Rather cold was the air as I came along, with a nice moon.
Mon. March 22. Weather rather warmer. Went up to town. Came back
and got on a horse and went over to Jno.. Davis1 and tried to get their
school. Then went to Hulls § Pitcher's but they were not at home. Went
over to Tom's school and had the bills written out for the Concert. Came
back. Got my supper and started out to bring my Girl to the entertainment
and did. Got home about 1 o'clock. Weather fair.
Tues.
March 23. This (is) the day of the trial between Dick § Geo. Burns.
Went up to town but didn't commence till after dinner. Went back and they
got started and got tough with the witnesses. By supper adjourned and after
supper the Lawyers had their pleading, which was not long, and went out
§ . gave the Jury a chance to decide which was done for Dick. Came
home about 9 o'clock. Weather fair.
Wed. March 24. Fair
weather all day. Came to town in ( ) but the bills did not come. Went home
and found Bunds there and staid all day. After dinner went to sleepand
slept till 4 o'clock. Nothing of importance took place this day. Jno.
Gorham sowed oats and the day before also. A good many are being sown.
Thurs. March 25. Very windy and dusty. Election day. Was one of the
clerks, James Elson being the other. The Bond Question was up and was
defeated by a vote of 260 to 11. We got through about 8 o'clock, which was
very nice compared to other elections previous when we had candidates up
for office. Bonds in this Twp. don't show much in the minds of the
voters.
Fri. March 26. Went up to town in the morning and found
the board all there but one and he came soon afterward. Weather rather
chilly in the forenoon but pleasant after noon. Took dinner at the Harvey
House. Got our money and staid in town until the train came in. Came home
and Jimmy came with me. And went to singing this evening and found not many
there and rather hard to sing.
Sat. March 27. Weather fine and
dry. Lots of oats are being sown. Staid in town until 5 o'clock, then came
home. Failed in getting a school Went out to see my Girl and got there
rather late but found her playing. Sang some songs and came home. Got home
about 12 o'clock. Weather rather cool. Looked a little like rain, though it
didn't.
Sun. March 28. Sunday was as fine a day as you would
wish for. Tommy and
his wife and Jennie Wilhelm came down and
spent the day. Cap came about
2 o'clock and we practiced for the
Concert at Pardee, and got along all right.
Went up to town and hired a buggy to go in. Got it from Harvey House.
Then went over to Tommy's.
Mon. March 29. Got up rather early.
Went up and got the buggy and came home. Got started about h past 9
o'clock. Got started from Mr. Rogers1 about h past 10 o'clock. Arrived at
Mr. Butler's after a tedious ride, at 1 o'clock. Got our dinner and went to
Pardee. Practiced till 6, then (went) and got supper. Came back but found
no crowd there to listen to our music. At 11 went home in bad spirits.
Tues. March 30. Weather not quite so windy as the previous day,
though before noon it got moreso if anything. Started from Butler's at %
past 10 o'clock, but came very slow on account of the wind. Got to Mr.
Rogers' after 1 o'clock. Stopped and got our dinner. Came home and got
there at h past 4. Took the team back to town. Went over to Tom's and told
all about the concert.
Wed. March 31. It commenced to rain in
the evening before, and rained all night and was raining in the morning
when I got up. And rained from the east till after 2, when it changed into
the north and snowed a little for us; and was rather cold though rain was
just the thing to make things grow. Staid at home all day. It commenced to
freeze at 4 o'clock. Cap came home at 8.
Thurs. April 1. Wind
from the north and rather cold, though clear. Joe Murray came down and took
dinner with us. After dinner we went over to Howard's to make a trade, but
did not. Went to town and found out that they had a petition out for a
school meeting. Roads drying up rapidly. No papers nor no mail of any sort.
Wind lulled.
Fri. April 2. Weather good; drying up rapidly.
People sowing oats with the bulk sowed. Went to town and found out that
they had a petition out with 90 petitioners and a call for a meeting
ordered. Went to singing and had a good sing, and started home, being dark.
Cap and Pa run against a tree and broke it and hurt themselves rather
badly.
Sat. April 3. Weather fair. Went to town and then we got
in the wagon and started for Oskaloosa to be examined. Got there and found
the questions in Grammar were tough. The others were easy. Got through
better than expected when I got there. Started for home where we arrived
about dark, with a headache and as hungry as I could be. After supper went
up to town.
Sun. April 4. Rather windy. Stayed home all day. Was
very tired and nearly sick. Went to bed § staid there till noon. Got
up and tried to study but could not come it. Aunt Em § Ad came and
stayed all afternoon. In the evening I could hardly conduct myself with
staying at home, but managed to worry through with it. Rather nice §
balmy.
Mon. April 5. Weather rather cloudy. Took up school under
rather unfavorable auspices, but think I am all right. Had some trouble in
keeping order, but managed to get along and had 35 scholars and no
Covenanters at all. That day wrote out the contract for my school, but did
not take it up to Talcott's for his attest. And found where the Rs was.
Tues. April 6. Rather windy and a little cool in the morning, for
we had to have a fire. Got along first rate and had some of the Covs.
there. Came to the conclusion that I had them by the heels and intend to
hold them if I can. Did not think much of the previous night's
entertainment. Am of the
opinion that
T
does not wish me to have the sch(ool).
Wed.
April 7. Had rain in the night and it was rather pleasant though very
windy. Went to Talcott for the register, but he would not give it up
without a written order, so I did not get it, and went off and left him.
Tommy is better though not able to get out of bed. Got a letter from Uncle
Joe and Mollie , and they said that Pete was going (to) the Mts. if he sold
his mare.
Thurs. April 8. Rain in the night and rather cold in
the morning, and rained at times during the day. Mr, Murray stayed
with;us.last night. Stopped in out of the rain and we gave them some music.
Heard nothing much about the school today. Got along in school alright and
am getting them down to some kind of order, or at least imagine so. Windy
weather.
Fri. April 9. Cold and windy. Have (sic) to have fire
all day in school. Heard from Smith and my standing in all except Arith.
& Hist, yesterday. Was tolerably good, Grammar being the lowest~~7%.
Some got theirs this morning. Mr. Cook was in my room but did not stay
long. In the evening, had a talk with him. After supper, went to singing
and had a good sing.
Sat, April 10. Rather a fine day until in
the afternoon. Got my certificate this morning and had quite a chat with
Tom § Al about theirs and on educational matters generally. Took
dinner with Tommy. We then went down to where they were jumping. Did not
write to my Girl that I was coming on the morrow. Went to church.
Sun. April 11. Cloudy and rather windy § cold. Went to church and
Mr. Holmes preach(ed); though not eloquent, (he) is a very good talker, but
not a good grammarian. The preacher came home with me and so did Polk. Had
a call from Fairfield asking my presence to sing for them. Commenced to
snow in the afternoon and snowed § rained all night, or at least till
church was out.
Mon. April 12. Snowed in the morning and kept it
up the most of the day, or rained and was rather disagreeable all day. This
was the day set for the trial (sic) great school meeting and they voted to
have a female teacher for the summer term, and used some severe language
about family selfishness. Have the assurance from the best men that I am
all right.
Tues. April 13. Wind still from the N. W. and cloudy
yet. Took up school as usual. Got along very well and had some new
scholars. Heard nothing from the Potomac nor the Rhine either and I guefs
they are at their strings end. Concluded that it mattered not if I said
anything about it and think I am all right.
Wed. April 14. Clear
and nice and the most pleasant morning of the week. Had to have a fire
nearly all day. Heard nothing concerning school matters. Went to church and
heard a very good sermon. Then went up to the Lodge. Was initiated along
with Barbara and Tom Kearly. And had lots of fun in the round.
Thurs. April 15. Cold as Greenland and blowing like a N. W. can generally
Had to have a roaring fire all day. Mr. Fulton came into see me but did not
stay long. Concluded that I was not strict enough and must come down on
them and use the rod a little and give them to understand that I am boss.
Have three Covs. coming now. Think (I) will have more.
Fri. April 16. Wind still from the N.W. and it froze considerably
more than I ever saw for this time of year. Some think it will hurt the
small grain, yet can't tell whether or no sir. Had to thrash some (to)day
or at least give them a slight ( ) on the headI mean one or two who were
unruly. Had singing though many there after church.
Sat. April
17. Wind from the N.W. and rather cold, though in the afternoon it was some
more pleasant. Got ready and went out to Fairfield to the Exhibition. Got
out there and my girl was just on the eve of starting off and leaving me.
Got over there and found everything endways, but got through all right. Saw
my old scholars. Came home about 2 o'clock. Weather rather cold. Got 1.75
for singing.
Sun. April 18. Weather fairest for two weeks. Went
to church and heard a very g>od sermon. Went to John Orr's for dinner,
and in the afternoon went to Sunday School. Then came home aid took a nap.
Then went to church at night and Bro. Holmes closed his week's meeting and
Bro. Holiday was there. Came home in the bright moonlight along Tom Dick
Vanderslae(?).
Mon. April 19. Weather worse than ever. Snow,
rain § hail in the forenoon. Afternoon, it cleared off and in the
evening it was right warm, too warm for pleasure especially in the Church.
At the entertainment brought my Girl in £ had a nice ride in the
moonlight. The eve. entertainment was better than our previous evening. No
accident at all.
Tues. April 20. Weather cold. Had a fire al
day. Saw Hinchman and talked to him about the Covs. remarks on the previous
evening and also concerning school matters, and he confirmed my opinion
that I would get my money. Marion $ Helen stayed all night with us, but I
did not get to see them much for I was away.
Wed. April 21.
Wednesday, the weather a little better, though I had a fire most of the
day. A good many of the Covenanters are coming now. Was very sleepy but
Dick and I went to the Lodge but did (not) get there till it had commenced
and waited till recefs. Then went up and had some fun with the Girls.
Thurs. April 22. The Grasshoppers are hatching out by the wholesale
though there are not a great many eggs Deposited in the country from what I
learn. Clarisa Hall came home. Barbara and we had a game of croquetthe
second of the seasonand had some music after supper and lots of fun.
Fri. April 23. Weather better. No fire this day in the schoolroom.
Had a game of ball this morning and it made me so tired that I could
scarcely go in the evening, but managed to get to school, but Cap did not
come till late and then we had to procure some light. Got 15 cts worth of
candles Home 11 o'c.
Sat. April 24. Raining from the east and
very cold. Planted corn, and near freezing with overshoes, overcoats, and
gloves on, but stood it till noon. In the afternoon, went to town and
(heard) something on the school matter from Fulton, and Talcott has
concluded to let the school go on. Had singing but not many there. Got
along well.
Sun. April 25. Rain from the east in the morning and
continued all day or at intervals during the day. Jim Trimble came down and
brought some horses for Dick. We sang some songs for him and he liked them
very much. Did
not go anywhere nor fix up.
Twas raining when I went to bed at 9.
Mon. April 26. Cloudy
weather and rather cold. Had a fire all day. Had one new scholar and got
along very well. Nothing of importance to write about. Went home and had a
sing after supper, practicing for the con(cert) at Marshall S.'s house.
Rather cold; at least had to make a fire in the room for comfort. Got along
very well.
Tues. April 27. Weather nice all day. Nothing of
importance transpired this day. Got along very well though not so well as
the day before. Wrote a letter to Uncle Joe. The time for the "Times" was
out and we did not (get) any news today. I am of the opinion that the
Grasshoppers will not damage us much, yet I can't tell.
Wed.
April 28. Clear in the morning, but clouded up and was rather chilly and
looked rainy (in) the afternoon when school was out. Nothing (of)
importance to write about. In the evening went to Lodge and was elected
chaplain. Then we adjourned on account of the impending storm and just as
we got out it began to sprinkle. It rained some before we got down to
Tommy1s where we put up for the night.
Thurs. April 29. The sun
rose clear after the rich rain, though it soon clouded up. Yet it cleared
off before noon and was pleasant, but I had (a) fire all day nearly. Saw
Ben Tabler in t6wn. He has been to Mo. and didn't (go) as he expected to
California, but is going to start soon in the wagon. As I came home from
school, saw a good many Grasshoppers along the fence § in the grass by
the road.
Fri. April 30. Clear in the morning, but clouded up.
Let out school at h past 2 o'clock. Got ready and came down to the concert
and found things in a sail old fix. Got supper and came back but nobody was
there. We sang a few songs and yet no one came. Then we got through of 12
and then commenced some wild speculations on the W.
Sat. May 1.
It stopped raining about h past four o'clock and we got started for home
about 5. It was blowing from the north very hard and it was cold as winter.
Nearly froze coming home where we arrived about 6 or after, and soon as we
got warm we were so sleepy that we had to go to bed, and we slept till
noon. Got our dinner but did not feel like doing much.
Sun. May
2. Weather cloudy § chilly. There was enough frost on the fences to
write my name. Got ready to go to see my Girl, but it commenced to rain $
looked very much like it would rain § I gave up the idea of going to
see my Girl. So I did not go any place. Aunt Em § Un(cle) Ad came up
and we did not go to Sunday School. Dick came home and told how it went
baching and how he was getting along farming.
Mon. May 3. Cloudy
and windy and cold. Came up and swept the room before any one came. The
coal gave out and we did not have much fire in the afternoon. Got no
letters from any one. The Flax was not hurt by the last freeze. They say
some of the corn that was planted early is rotting, though it is to be
hoped not much. Got along very well in school. Nothing more at present.
Tues. May 4. Rather cool but clear in the morning, though it
clouded up in the forenoon and it rained a little in the afternoon. Went
home and went down to the Concert, and we had not more than got there
before it commenced to rain.
Went through with
the programme. Started home § brought the Organ. Got home alright
about 1 ofclock. Left it in the wagon.
Wed. May 5. Sun rose
clear and it was a very nice day. I got very sleepy in the afternoon and
did not feel much like teaching, though I managed to get along. I felt so
tired and sleepy that I did (not) go to Lodge, but went to sleep and had a
fine night's sleep if I did mifs the installation of officers and the
pleasure of meeting my friends. Felt at noon very sleepy and slept about 15
minutes Sang froid.
Thurs. May 6. Very windy and warm, and lots
of Grasshoppers are hatching out and they are destroying oats in some
places, but have not seen much damage done by them myself, but have seen a
great many. Went to Singing School and nearly all were there, and we had a
very good sing and got along all right. Had a letter from Prof„
Wherrell in regard to the Normal institute. The planning is almost all
done.
Fri. May 7, Windy § dusty £ very disagreeable.
It was fast day with the Covenanters § I did not have as many scholars
as usual, yet had a plenty for pleasure or convenience. And had the most
quiet school that I have had for a long time. I had speeches today and
intend to try to improve them in that particular as well as in the other
studies. The weather is the warmest we had this one.
Sat. May 8.
The weather was nice in the morning and it did not rain in the night as we
expected, but looked dry. But before noon, it clouded up and ( ) with great
violence, though it did not continue so all day. After supper we went up to
town and saw Lewis Housh. Had just returned from California and said that
times were good out there to what they were here. Then went to Tom's §
sung awhile, did.
Sun. May 9. Rained at 4 o'clock. Held up at 6
§ commenced at 7 again § we had a gentle shower till 10 or nearly
so. Got ready § went up after Tom § wife and it was warm and
looked like rain. Came home. Got dinner and started out to see my Girl
£ she had gone to S. School. Went down then and after S. School took
a ride but it looked like rain § we did not go far. Came back. Just
got my horse up § it rained a good rain. Home.
Mon. May 10c
Nice § clear § fine growing weather § the Grasshoppers are
doing some damage in some of the contiguous districts § there are a
good many here £ still hatching. Had school but no Covenanters but
one. Marvin was down to see me. After supper went to the lecture &
heard a smart man on the Religious Amendment to the constitution which was
very good for this side of the question. Weather warm.
Tues. May
11. The wind was blowing from N. W. in a terrible gale § which was
wrorst wind of the season and it blew very hard till noon. After that it
calmed down § showered some § was some warmer than in the
forenoon. Came home for my dinner and had a rough walk of it, but got back
without losing my hat. The grafshoppers are getting numerous § doing
some damage.
Wed. May 12. Nice § clear § pleasant.
Went up with Geo. Butler § stayed at the Depot till the train came in.
D. R. Anthony was shot on Monday § is not expected to live. He was
shot by W. Embry. Got a letter from Uncle Joe yesterday. Got ready §
went to Lodge and learned that Jane Wilhelm was very sick. Came home §
Dick came home with us. John.
Thurs. May 13. Weather fine
with lots of Grafs. § they are doing considerable damage. I went out
in the rye this morning § .they are doing the thing up brown, the most
I have seen yet. They are eating the potatoes off as fast as they come out.
After school went to town. We had singing. Geo. Butler came with Cap. Not
many there but got along alright. Came home § sung some. Weather
warm.
Fri. May 14. Weather warm § nice. After breakfast we
had a game of Croquet, and it was rather warm. Marion § all was over
and we took a game of ball. Had some speeches. Lots of Gs § they are
doing considerable damage in some parts. They have taken some fields of
flax entirely, but I hope they take wings § leave us. D. R, Anthony
still lives with some hopes of recovery. No sing to to night. Had a nice
rain at 8 o'clock.
Sat. May 15. Rain(ed in) the morning ( ) I
got up £ after it began to rain § rained the big(g)est rain of
the season. Cleared off about 4. Stayed at home all day. In the eve went up
to singing. Not many there. Roads muddy. Came § read the papers. D. R.
Anthony still lives with some hope of his recovery. Got a paper from Graham
but no letters from anyone.
Sun. May 16. It was rather cool
§ cloudy. Did not go anyplace. Read all day on Wordsworth's work and
it was the first poem that I could manage to read. Like it real well. No
one came to see us § was glad of (it). These are the hardest times I
ever saw § the Grasshoppers and chinch bugs are thick § doing a
great deal of damage in some districts. Read as long as my eyes cod (could)
( ).
Mon. May 17. Clear in the morning, but it clouded up in the
afternoon and sprinkled a little, but it cleared away and they had a nice
evening for their entertainment, which should have been very good if it
could have been heard distinctly all over the room. The singing was not
very good owing to circumstances and some of the playing was bad according
to my ear § idea of music.
Tues. May 18. Cloudy §
warm. Went to town with Cap. In the forenoon it got cloudier and in the
afternoon it rained a little and it then cleared away like. Came home
§ read the daily and learned that Anthony was dying the day before but
was better at that issue § Drs. expressed opinion of his final
recovery. W. M. Embryfs trial was set for to day, who is the man that shot
Anthony. Had a rehearsal.
Wed. May 19. Clear, nice and bright.
Went up to school § had a talk with the section boss. Vi, C.
Kirkpatrick and son(?) left for Indiana this morning. At noon saw lots of
chinch bugs flying (in) the air and that they were thick in other parts of
the state and some of the farmers are getting considerably discouraged. And
some are taking it all right. Went to Lodge. Not many there.
Thurs. May 20. Warm § nice. Saw some chinch bugs flying § the
Gs. were on the move. Yet they say--they who have traveled through the
countrythat there are not so many here in the vicinity as there are in
other places. Out 4 or 5 miles from town they are beginning to shed and
move around considerably and they don't eat as much as usual, or at least
as they did when first hatched.
Fri. May 21. Nice § fair,
with plenty of G's moving to better pasture, I suppose. There are more here
in this part than there have been at any time before this Spring. Had
singing this eve and got along first rate § made more music out of
them than we have yet. Had quite a turn out. Think we will have a better
concert than any previous one. But doubt the financial part of (it) owing
to the hard times.
Sat. May 22. Very warm in the
morning and kept it up all day. The Thermometer stood at 101, they said,
though think that is rather too high. Saw the G's on the move out of the
rye § they were going N. W. § W. in front of the house. These
were very thick, going right down into the wheat, but they are leaving it
as fast as they come in, so it remains the same. In the evening, were on
the fences £ were thick. Got the Register today.
Sun. May 23. A fine day but stayed at home all day £ straightened
out the Register. And also killed some G's as they were hopping round thick
§ in every direction. We killed about a bushel and still they were
thick in the yard. P Dick § Vanderpool came down in the evening but
did not stay long. Went to bed early. Cap came home 11 o.
Mon. May 24. Nice and clear § very warm and the Gs. on the move
early. In the evening went down to Uncle Ad'sCap, Ciss and myself and sang
till 10 o'clock. Had a terrible headache. Took some pills when I came and
they made me sick and I could hardly go to sleep. The Gs. have done great
damage to day, so the farmers say.
TueSo May 25. A fine morning
but my head still aches. Went to school and had some fun ( ) the window.
The Bills came this morning aid Cap began to distribute them. Saw Geo.
Trower and he said the Gs. had taken all his corn but 16 acres out of 80,
and were still at work. Singing, and we did not get started till late and
some of the singers were there. Very tired.
Wed. May 26. Rather
tired and sleepy and did not feel like getting up. We sang in the morning
till h past 8. Then I got there just (in) time for school. Felt very sleepy
all day and took a little nap in the afternoon § felt better. The G's
haven't done as much damage as usual in places & others they have ( )
things more. Went to bed, but it rained and it woke me before I got fully
to sleep.
Thurs. May 27. Looked rather gloomy and it rained
before noon and kept raining some all day. Got the stage fixed up £
the lamp cleaned § started home. It rained as I came. Annie Mide
§ the Boys came soon after we came. After Supper we put the Organ in
the wagon § went to singing. Got along all right. Came home rather
tired § sleepy.
Fri. May 28. A fine morning § we had a
game of Croquet & M( ) I were ahead when I had to go to school §
Jack took my place § they beat at % past 2 o'clock. Dismissed §
went up to the church § they came soon. And we practiced some. Went to
train. Maggie, Brown Sallie § Lin Rea. Got my buggy. Came home d
dressed and went out after my Girl and she was already home.
Sat. May 29. Got home at daylight § went to bed § slept till 10
o'clock. Got up> got breakfast and the folks came in § they went
after the Organ S brought it home, and after dinner Mide £ Annie came
§ we had lots of music. Then we played Croquet. Annie § I played
together § we beat anything on the ground. We went up and cleaned the
church § squared off accounts.
Sun. May 30. A fine day, but
I felt very tired § stayed at home all day. Read Wordsworth's Poems
when I was not asleep. Went down in the Timber in the evening and saw lots
of G's § came back through the reye and (they had) damaged it
considerably. Then I went down into the rye. They were thick in that,
§ were eating the heads some § taking the corn in places.
Mon. May 31o A fine day § the Gfs are on the
move § eat, and the people are badly scared. In some parts they have
taken things clean § the farmers are preparing to plant again. They
are dying in some parts from a little worm. After they are dead you can
take the worm out § it looks like a meat maggot. Though I haven't seen
any myself with the worm in them but have seen the D. G § the worm.
Tues. June 1. Lots (of) Grasshoppers and they are on the move
§ eat considerably. The people are not ploughin1 much on account of
the hoppers, for they eat (more?) on corn that is ploughed than they do on
that which is (not?) ploughed on account of it being cooler § they
like to stay in the ground which is cool.
Wed. June 2. Cool
weather for this time of year. Last year we had some warm weather before
this time but no Grs but they are plentiful this season and they are doing
lots of damage, and if I ever had the blues I have them now. Did not go to
Lodge for we had visitors § could not go very well, and felt kind of
tired anyway.
Thurs. June 3. A fine day and rather warm. Came
home after school and went over and found my horse. Came back & got
ready and went out to see my Girl, but she was not going away on the
morrow, so I will have the privilege of going to see her again before she
leaves. Tried to persuade her not to go, but she had her head set §
would go, so I did not say more.
Fri. June 4. We had the hardest
rain of the season. It commenced early . § rained till noon, though
not very hard after 8 o'clock. Just got to school in the nick of time. Not
many scholars in the forenoon but in the afternoon more came in. Came down
Chas. Searl and he said that it was the hardest rain that we had had for 3
years.
Sat. June 5. We went up into the field to take a look at
the hoppers1 damage and found they had not taken the corn much, but had
hurt the oats on the edges badly. Yesterday evening was the first that we
saw shed. They were hulling out rapidly though Bud found one. Then with ( )
but I think in a week the larger portion will be shed off.
Sun.
June 6. This (was) a fine day for Hoppers hatching and Tommy and I went out
in the rye and they were shedding off in great numbers. In the afternoon
went to see my Girl for the last time, at least for awhile, for she is
going away tomorrow. I found her waiting for me and she looked as nice as
could be. We had quite a nice time all to ourselves, but of course I could
not stay always.
Mon. June 7. Was a fine day with not anything
of importance to write about. The Gfs are not on the wing to day but are
winging out very rapidly, and I think they will begin to leave in two or
three days and they may go sooner. They have taken quite a number of fields
of corn without leaving much if any and the farmers look rather blue.
Tues. June 8. Warm and nice, and about 10 o'clock the Hoppers began
to fly. Went over in goodly numbers and those who were out doors most of
the day say that a good many let down, but I think not as many as left,
though I was only out a few times during the day.
Wed. June 9.
Wind from the South West and before noon the Hoppers began their North
Westward marchwhich is their general course. They light down in
places nearly as go up. But I have not seen many come down and I
donft think many will, though it is only guesswork with me.
Thurs. June 10. Wind from the South West and blowing like smoke, and the
G's whirling in North Easterly direction, and in great numbers. Rode down
(to) Cay Hinchmanfs and he said (they) were cutting his corn very (badly)
and he thought he would have to replant nearly all corn ground if they kept
on as they had before.
Fri. June 11. A fine day and the Hoppers
were still on the move and eat. After school Barbara and I went down (to)
Rheafs and got there about 9 o'clock and found Cap there. After supper we
went in § had some music and did not go to bed until about 11 o'clock.
Noticed on the road some very good fields of corn.
Sat. June 12.
Was a fine morning and we got down to the Picnic Grounds all right about 9
o'clock. We had a fine lecture. The exercises consisted of Declamations,
songs and speeches. And after chores were over we had an old fashioned
spelling match. Then came back to Rhea's and after supper we had some more
music § conversation.
Sun. June 13. The morning was nice,
cool, and sat in the yard and chatted an hour or two after breakfast, then
I got my team § we had some music before we started. Got started about
10 and the G's were on the wing in countless numbers, and still rising. Got
home at 2 o'clock. In the evening got up stairs and had a nap. Got a letter
from my Girl and was happily ( ) by visitors in the evening.
Mon. June 14. Nothing of importance transpired to day to write about,
only the Grasshoppers are still on the move and are cutting in places the
corn very badly. Nevertheless, I think there will (be) some corn left (in)
some vicinities. It seems that they are more ravenous in some districts
than others. Probably there are more in places than others, but have failed
to note much difference.
Tues. June 15. The G's were on the move
at their regular hour and went with the wind in N. W. direction. This was
the last day of the Academy and this eve their entertainment, and of course
I went down to it. Some of the recitations were very good, so were some of
the Declamations, but the singing was very poor, so I thought. As well
others (had) more complaint than I.
Wed. June 16. This was a
fine day and very warm as the preceding had been, and there were more
Grasshoppers in the air than any day or I thought so at least. My school
was very quiet today. No one to bother us and we got along finely. Pa got a
letter from Uncle Joe yesterday and he said there were lots of Hoppers over
there and it was all the talk.
Thurs. June 17. Warm as usual and
nothing much to write about. A hundred years ago the battle of Bunker Hill
was fought. Weatherford's horse ( ) got tangled up in the ( ) and fell over
the ( ) by the Railroad and killed himself or was nearly dead and died as
they were llifting him up. Lots of Hoppers were on the move today; not many
left.
Fri. June 18. Warm as usual and wind from the S.W. and the
Gs are leaving in considerable numbers and they are cutting the corn very
badly in places. The County corn came in yesterday evening and was
distributed to day at $1.20 per bu. Not quite all gone, but it will all be
gone by tomorrow night. No
rain and looks as
if (it) would be dry.
Sat. June 19. Very warm and dry with no
signs of rain. Stayed at home and fixed the reaper and helped Pa plant some
watermelon seed and cantelope. Did not go fishing with the party. Went up
to town in the evening and found not many people in town; for they were
most of them planting corn, and the seed corn was about all gone if not
quite, not more Gs fly.
Sun. June 20. Nothing of importance to
write about only the Gs commenced their regular flight in considerable
numbers in a northerly direction. Remained at home all day but read some on
the Golden State and think that I should like to go out there. Uncle Ad's
folks came over in the evening and it looked like rain but did not.
Mon. June 21. Warm as usual in the morning, kept getting warmer.
Some Gs on the wing. People planting corn agin which is the fourth time for
some., Got an invitation to go to an Ice Cream Supper. Came home, got on my
clothes and went back and it was very hot. Had some mishaps during the
evening and some lamentable affairs. Home 12.
Tues. June 22.
Wind from South West and very warm and some Gs on the wing and they are
doing considerable damage yet in some parts. Got no letters as I expected.
W. C, Kirkpatrick came home this evening. Dick cut Jno Orrfs rye and it was
very good for the season. The excursion was out from Leavenworth but not
the Winchester folks went.
Wed. June 23. Very windy and warm and
dusty. Some Gs on the wing though (not) many. No letter yet. Came home and
went down to the field and saw the chinch bugs on the march out of the
wheat and they were thick on the corn replanted and I think they will take
if they keep on. Pa ditched along the hollow but I think it will do no
good. No rain.
Thurs. June 24. Wind from West and the North West
and very pleasant all day. No Hoppers on the wing to day. Dick cut Grieck's
wheat which was not very good for the Hoppers worked on it very much and
they commenced to cut Pa's and he has some very good wheat. No letter yet
don't know what is the matter.
Fri. June 25. Very warm all day;
and it was the last day of my school. Had some visitors in the afternoon
and they made short speeches after the scholars were through. This time my
long looked for letter came. Pa got our piece of wheat cut, bound and
shocked up and the chinch bugs are leaving the wheat for the corn.
Sat. June 26. Had a little rain in the morning and had better indications
for rain than for a long time. Went out into the field and commenced to
bind wheat (and is very good) and it was very warm and it went rather hard
with me but stood it till we got through about five. Very tired and sore
from working too fast.
Sun. June 27. We had a fine rain last
night. It commenced to rain about eleven o'clock and rained all night and I
guess the people are gladd all over this morning. It's cloudy and rather
cold and I am very sore from harvesting. Remained at home all day. Tommy
and Mattie and Uncle John are here today. Wrote a letter to my Girl to day.
In the evening it was exceedingly cool for June. Went into the kitchen (
).
Mon. June 28e Nice and clear after the rain and a little
cool. Went to town
and staid until noon. Came
home and went to work at the machine and had a terrible time getting it
fixed. Very warm - got started after four o'clock and cut the reye down,
but did not bind any of it. Cap and I went up to singing and arranged
matters amicably bet. all.
Tues. June 29. Fine and clear: went
out to the rye patch and bound it nearly all up in a little while, and it
got to be rather warm. This is fine weather after the rain of Saturday
night and people go to work with more vim than before. Did not do much in
the afternoon. In the evening went up to singing. Not as many there as
usual.
Wed. June 30. Cloudy and looked as though it would rain
in the morning but did not. Russell was here and assessed and took the
census. In the evening went up (to) the Lodge, and we had three initiate
and we had a very pleasant time. As we came home it was thundering and
lightning § look(ed) like rain.
Thurs. July 1. Again it
looked like rain; but Pa and I went over to Oskaloosa. We saw some as fine
corn as ever grew, I think, but as we got near Oskaloosa the Hoppers had
cleaned things and it looked rather bad. We ( ) some planting yet and some
the chinch bugs were taking what was up. Got home all right.
Fri. July 2. Very warm and no rain. Went to work at the garden fence. Got
nearly done and the nails gave out. After (I) took a rest, and in the
evening went up to singing and got along all right and they concluded to go
in a wagon prepared for the purpose, or some of them did. Came home and it
looked like rain.
Sat. July 3. Got up and it was raining some.
Then we got ready and went to town but singers hadn't come and it was 9
o'clock and we got in the wagon and started out. Got over there all right.
When we got on the ground we found a good many whom we knew, old scholars
and friends. It was very warm. Came home at 6.
Sun. July 4.
Stayed at home all day and rested; in the afternoon we had a fine rain
commencing about 4 o'clock and it rained till dark. Henry Gayim came over
in the afternoon and gave glowing accounts of Russile county. Read the
"Hoosier School Miester" through and think it is very good, rather
funny.
Mon. July 5. Came down to the City and was raining §
kept at it all day nearly. Took dinner with Billy at Central Hotel. Did not
go up to school but saw Wherrell and I had a talk with (him) about the
school. Took supper at the Golden Gate. Then went down to Billy Bradshaw's
room and read some of Brick Pomeroy's writing. At 8 the fireworks began and
we went out. Saw the sights.
Tues. July 6. Went up to school and
did not find many of the old scholars in. After a long time we got started
for the day and commenced our recitations. Got through before 12. After
dinner went over to Mcs and found out what the order was concerning the
school. Came back and studied some.
Wed. July 7. Went to school
and got along first rate. Got through before noon and it was rather warm
and there (were) some G's on the wing going in a westerly direction. The
day before they were going more in a sotherly direction and they lit down
and took the things in some places. Did not study my lesson much today.
Thurs. July 8. Went to school and had not (studied?) my Lessons
very well.
Came back and studied my algebra
lesson. After supper went over to the Musical Institute and saw how they
carried on things in this day and age of the world in a musical Institute.
Went home part of the way with Kirkland. Very warm.
Fri. July 9.
Raining in the morning and rained till about 9 o'clock. Did not get through
school till 12 o'clock. Took dinner and went down. Got my things and went
down to the depot. Got home and found no letters had come for me. Things
look very well out here.
Sat. July 10. Went to town in the
morning and remained all day. It commenced to rain about 10 o'clock; rained
until noon. Looked like rainy weather. Got letters none from any one. Came
home and it began to rain about 8 o'clock § kept raining till I had
gone to bed. Crops growing fine.
Sun. July 11. Remained at home
all day and (did) not feel very well. Got no letters from my girl and felt
rather bad about it. Could(n't) make up my mind about bringing Barbara down
to the Musical Institute. Vanderpool was over and gossiped about all the
folks in general and some in particular.
Mon. July 12. Nice and
clear and looked as though the rain had ceased for awhile at least. Came
down to town and went up to school and got to go through two of my lessons.
Came down and took dinner and started down town but did not write home.
Tues. July 13. Very pleasant and in the afternoon went down to the
depot and we had a very hard rain. Came back to town and met Mr Rhea and
went up with him and saw the girls. Came back but it was very warm after
the rain and went into the furniture (store?) and found out what I could do
( ).
Wed. July 14. Very warm and continued so all day. It was
97° in the shade and moreso in the sun. Sweat like fury all day. No
letter yet. Must be something wrong but guess it will come out alright in
the end. School is going along splendidly and I hope it will continue so.
Scholars keep come in; over 80 now and still they come.
Thurs.
July 15. Very warm all day, so much so that the sweat poured off
continually. Tommy came down; and I met him down at the Steamur which came
up from St Louis with an excursion party on board. In the evening the
Thermometer stood at 99 and there was no pleasant place in town unless in
an ice house.
Fri. July 16. Got up at 4 o'clock and Tommy was
sick and we went out for a walk. Came back and read the news after
breakfast. Went (to) school and got along very well in my lessons to day,
better than any other day. After dinner went down to the depot and Tommy
was there but not well yet. Got a letter from my girl yesterday.
Sat. July 17. Not quite so warm as yesterday; wrote a letter home to Sis
and told her to not come unless she wanted to. Went down and found out that
all's not gold that glitters. Did not feel very well all day. Did not study
my lesson any to day but got the home paper and was glad to read it.
Sun. July 18. Cloudy § pleasant. I did (not) feel very well,
but got ready § went to Church § Sunday school § heard
McCleery preach. After dinner wrote a letter to my Girl. It commenced to
rain but did not continue long. Went to church after supper and did not
feel very well. It was raining some.
Mon. July
19. Went to school and got along very well but did not feel well yet. Went
out to the show in the evening and saw the best bareback riding that I ever
saw in my life and saw Miss Mollie Brown turn back sumersauits on a running
horse. She is said to be the only woman that can.
Tues. July 20.
Nice and pleasant and got along better than usual with my lessons to day.
Ham Johnson came up to school and took dinner with me. After dinner we went
over to see Billy and went up in the watch tower and then went up on top of
the Court House. About 1/2 past 4 he left for Pugets Sound Washington
Ter.
Wed. July 21. Twas raining some during the day and it was
quite pleasant. Went down in town and saw the Funeral train of the man who
got killed in the vTimesf by the elevator falling on him. No letters at all
and nothing came from home that I could learn of. Studied my lessons more
than any day yet.
Tues. July 22. Quite pleasant and got along
very nicely with my lessons to day. Nothing from home yet nor anywhere
else. Nothing of importance to write about to day. Read a speech of W
Phillips on the financial question - he is in favor of paper money for a
circulating medium for the present.
Fri. July 23. Weather nice
and cool. Some good times in school. Got my shirt and other things from
home to day. They had been going back § forth on the train several
days. After supper went down in town with Billy and saw the sights. Came
home and went to bed and felt better than I have for awhile.
Sat. July 24 25. Very pleasant; Billy and I went down to the Depot but
concluded not to go to Kan City. Came back and went to church. After dinner
went out to see the game of B.B. on the nReserven bet(ween) the llworth
boys § the Weston lads. The rain came up and put a stop to the game;
came home and wrote two letters.
Sun. July 25 26. Went to school
and got along very well. Nothing of importance to write about. No news of
any kind. Rained some during the day. No letters from home yet. Went down
in the evening to hear the Tyrolean warblers sing at the Star of the West,
and they sing very well, one especially.
Mon. July 26. Nice
morning and looked as though we might have fair weather, but in the
afternoon there came up a storm and we had a big shower making the water
run in little creeks down the streets. Nothing more to write about for this
day. Went down to hear the warblers again.
Tues. July 27 24th. A
mistake in my writing this for I (am) one day ahead and you can think as
you please when you read it Saturday. I did not do much. Went up to see the
boys. Studied some though it was too hot to study much. Went out to see the
sights in the evening with Billy.
Wed. July 28. More rain; very
muddy and rather disagreeable but I guess not enough to hurt anything yet.
Went down in town and heard that there was a young man killed by lightning
out in my neighborhood but could not find out who it was. Heard the
Tyrolean warblers again, only one son.
Thurs. July 29. I am
getting along very well in school, better than I expected when I first
started in. Rained in the forenoon and the streets are quite
muddy. Heard that it was Ab Russell that got killed by
lightning and also one of his horses. Got two letters today, one from Ciss
and one from Mollie.
Fri. July 30. Looked like rain and it did
commence about 10 o'clock and rained all day and continued steadily through
the night. Got along first-rate in school to day and hope to get along
better in time. Went out with Billy after supper and heard the troupe at
the Star of the West again.
Sat. July 31. Rained till nearly
noon. After dinner took a walk out and over the Reserve. Came back and in
the evening went over to South Leavenworth Musical Examination and got some
very good instruction by paying attention. Came home and went to bed
Sun. Aug. 1. Fine day. Went to Sunday school and church in the
forenoon. No church given out for the evening. Went up to my room in the
afternoon and took a nap. After supper Billy and I went down to his room
and stayed there till the concert.
Mon. Aug. 2. A fine day and
went to school. Came home and found Mollie there. Came sooner than I
expected. We went over to the Court House, then up to Mcs« Took tea
with them. After that went down to Salter's and went from there over to the
Rehearsal. Got tired and came home about 10 o'clock.
Tues. Aug.
3. Did not feel very well and (did) not go to school. Did not go out at
all. In the afternoon went with Mollie down to the depot. Saw Wilhelm there
who had just come from St Louis. Came back but did not feel any better than
before I went out.
Wed. Aug. 4. Did not feel any better so did
not go to school this day but was in bed the most of the day. Sorrow that I
could not go but could not help it. Nothing of importance to write
about.
Thurs. Aug. 5. Felt some better and went to school but
did not make much headway in my classes. No letters from home nor anywhere
else. Don't know what was the matter. Went over to the Concert and it was
real good. Goddard gave a recitation which was very good. No folks there
from home.
Fri. Aug. 6. Went to school in the forenoon and in
the afternoon went over to where the Examination was going on and had lots
of fun on top of the Court House with the girls. Billy and I came down. Saw
the 0 Connell Procession. Went down to the Banquet and had a fine time
drinking wine.
Sat. Aug. 7. A nice day. Studied my lessons in
the morning, then went down and bought a pair of Boots from Chase Bro. In
afternoon went over to Examinations and had some more fun and got lists of
the questions of the Examination. Came home and went to bed early this
evening.
Sun. Aug. 8. Billy came and wanted me to take a ride
with (him) out in the Country and I did so. And a very pleasant trip in the
country except that I got nearly knee deep in the mud on the back of the
Slero(?). But after I got along very well. Beat anybody playing Croquet.
Got home at 8 o'clock.
Mon. Aug. 9. Went to school and got along
very well though nothing to brag of. After dinner went down to Depot and
saw some Winchesterites and sent Rutherford's knife home by Chatfield. No
letters from any place yet. Don't know what ails the folks.
Tues. Aug. 10. To school as usual. I went and did not feel very
well yet. To day is the first day of the State Examination and they say it
is not very hard. There are eighteen trying for Certificates, Some for five
years and some for three and none for diplomas.
Wed. Aug 11.
Weather fair and dry. Streets are getting dusty and farmers say they need
rain. This is second day of Examination. I went up with Billy and saw their
grades in reading. The highest was 96. The lowest 84. Went over and seen
over the Certificates of the county and word to the defeated Can.
Thurs. Aug. 12. Went to school and got thru earlier than usual. Took a
nap and went down and saw Mc and wife go away for the East. Came back and
studied my lesson. About 4 o'clock we had a nice shower. No letters yet. Am
getting desperate.
Fri. Aug. 13. To school and got along very
well and in the afternoon went over to Billy's Office and stayed there and
studied some. Nothing particular to write about only I haven't got a ary
letters yet from any one. Went out in town in the evening. Did not stay
long. Came back and went to bed.
Sat. Aug. 14, Took a walk down
to see the market but did not stay long. Went over to Billy's office and
studied some over there. Good many in to day with reports of schools for
the ensuing year and they are of a very good 1aught (?) for the hard times.
Weather cool for the time of year.
Sun. Aug.,15. Weather fair
and pleasant. Went to hear Allan Cum the great Scotch preacher but did not
think much of him. Took a walk out on the Reserve. Came back and Dick had
come down. Said the folks were well. Went to the Baptist Sunday school
Concert in the evening which was very good.
Mon. Aug. 16. Went
to school and got out earlier than usual. Came home and took dinner and
went down in town with Dick and took him over the Court House and he left
his buggy down at Cretors for repair. Came home and studied my lesson. Got
a letter from my Girl and wrote.
Tues. Aug. 17. Cool weather for
the time of the year, yet it is just what I like. Went over to the Office
and studied algebra and Geo. Nothing much to write about. Bronmel came home
from his son's in Southern Kansas and reported crops good. Russell was
down.
Wed. Aug. 18. Nothing to write about but school and
getting along better than usual in my studies. Weather cool § dusty
and very dry. Got a letter from Siss. No more at present.
Thurs.
Aug. 19. A good many of the scholars are leaving but our recitations go
along just the same. Miss Smither(?) is our algebra teacher now and I like
her very well.
Fri. Aug. 20. Nothing to write about in this week
only going to school and am doing very well, so I think. Jno W Gardiner
Sat. Aug. 21. Had school today on account of the State teachers
examination being held next week and some of our teachers wish to go. Some
didn't like it but thought it alright myself. Very dry § dusty.
Sun. Aug. 22. Went down to hear Page preach and
like(d) (him) very well. My old teacher, Mrs Mayo, was there and helped to
sing as one of the choir. In the evening went down to hear Rev Dr Marvin of
State University at Lawrence at the M. E. Church and like him very well as
a talker.
Mon. Aug. 23. Went to school as usual and found not
many there but that is nothing. Can stand it if they can. No letter today
from any one.
Tues. Aug. 24. Very windy, dusty and warm and
disagreeable in any place you can get with. Got a letter from my girl today
and she thinks some of going out West and asks my opinion about it. Am too
busy to answer just now.
Wed. Aug. 25. School was out to day and
I turned in my books and got my money § felt satisfied about my
school. Am not going home till after the examination which will be Saturday
and if things turn out all right I shall go out and look for a School and
don't think it will be any trouble for me.
Thurs. Aug. 26.
Nothing of importance to write about. F, M. Johnson came home from
California and is not as well satisfied as he might have been or expected
to. He, Billy and I went down to see the Big Bonanza at the Opera and it
was splendid and it tickled Johnson very much.
Fri. Aug. 27.
Fine weather though rather warm. Studied all day and got along very well.
In the evening went down to Billy's room and he ask(ed) me some instruction
in algebra. Went home and went to bed but not to sleep.
Sat.
Aug. 28. Rained all day and was very warm Examination day and 1 sweat like
a good fellow and to work hard. Not many teachers there on account of the
rain. Some were from a distance. Van Eman § Billy were the board and
only had six questions in each and they were hard.
Sun. Aug. 29
Did not feel like going to church and it is the first time that I have
missed since I came down to town. Billy looked over part of the papers and
I was just average on what he looked over. Went up to the concert at the
Baptist church and it was very warm.
Mon. Aug. 30. Went over
with Billy and helped him fix up the list § opo 5_ of the teaches
(sic) and in the evening went up to see Miss Daly and get the grades from
her of the papers that she had to canvass and my grade was very low
especially in Arithmetic. Think she was unfair in her grading.
Tues. Aug. 31. Went over to the office and waited for Van Emman until I
was tired and took a stroll down to the river workshops, §c. Came back
and he had not come back yet. After dinner we went back and he came in and
we fixed it up and I stood second.
Wed. Sept. 1. Wednesday
morning got a horse and started out to get a school and it was very warm.
Went to Harlo's and found they were going to have a six month school. Went
§ saw Richardson and concluded to take the school and got back to town
about 7 o'clock and I was rather tired.
Thurs. Sept. 2. Got
ready and started home and it was very warm. Got ready about 10 o'clock and
wrote a letter to my Girl and told her to write to Winchester the next time
she wrote. Got home and found the folks all well and the face of the
country is very much changed since I left two months ago.
.
Sept. 3. Went up and got my trunk and came back and rested till noon and
then went out and sowed wheat till I got tired. And stood it
better than expected for it is the first I have done for nearly a year.
Sat. Sept. 4. Went up with Pa to the field and sowed wheat untill
noon. Came home and filled the sacks. After dinner went and finished sowing
and got through by half past 3 o'clock. After supper went up to town and
got shaved and went over to singing.
Sun. Sept. 5. Very warm and
stayed at home all day and read some in Randals Book of trade. After dinner
went over to the big spring and bathed my aching brow in its limpid and
cooling water and thought of times when we roved the prairies a mere
child.
Mon. Sept. 6 Very warm and sat in the shade till late in
the afternoon. When it got a little cooler we went up to town and heard the
Jo Dodds case discussed and it is the opinion that he is guilty, at least
of three fourths of the people. Took supper with Tommy. Came home about
half past 10 orclock.
Tues. Sept. 7» Warm for the time of
year and nothing doing. Sat in the shade all day and did nothing much. No
letters from anyone and did not write any. Nothing to write about only that
there is lots of hay being put up all over the country and I donft think it
will (be) worth much this winter unless there is a great demand east.
Wed. Sept. 8. Warm still and nothing going on of any importance and
so nothing to write about. Uncle Isaac § Frank came just as we were
getting through supper and they reported folks all well at Emporia. Uncle
Isaac did not know me and thought that I was too large for John as of
old.
Thurs. Sept. 9. Warm in the morning and in the afternoon it
blew up from the North rather cool and seemed as though it might frost but
it became clouded and did not. The girls got me to hall up some corn §
we had a shucking and lots of fun. After supper we had some music and Uncle
Isaac was well pleased.
Fri. Sept. 10. Rather cool. Went up to
town and got a letter from my Girl and she had got home and wanted me to
come out and see me before me I went away if I could and of course I was
glad to go and see her for it has been three months since I saw her and I
went and we had a good time. Came home about twelve.
Sat. Sept.
11. Got ready and started for town with my trunk in Caprs Buggy and had as
much as the buggy would hold, but got there all right. Got down and went
over and saw Billy and went down to dinner and saw Mr Richardson. Found Mr
Corman and got to ride right where I wanted to go.
Sun. Sept.
12. Fine day and as I had nothing else to do I went down to Sunday school
and saw some of the folks of this vicinity but there were not many out so
did not see many. Came home and did nothing all day but read a little and
think how I should get along in school tomorrow with black §
whites.
Mon. Sept. 13. Weather warm and went down to the school
house and there was no broom there yet so I went over to Mr Richardson's
and got a broom there. Came back and swept the floor and it was very dirty
and it made me sweaat. Only fifteen scholars and no darkies either. Got
along very well.
Tues. Sept. 14. Went to
school and got along very well and had some more scholars. In the afternoon
after school was out I went over to Mr Richardson's and saw him about
repairs and then I went down to Harloe and saw him but he was so busy that
he could not take time to write out an Article and told me to come
Sunday.
Wed. Sept. 15. Wednesday was not so warm as the two days
previous. Got along very well in school. Came home after school and studied
some method to get things to running in school and think I shall get things
running by the last of the week. Another new scholar today.
Thurs. Sept. 16. Somewhat cooler on account of the rain last night. Got
along in school very well. Came home and wrote two letters, one to my Girl
and the other to Barbara. Expect to send them to town by Mr Gorman
tomorrow. Have nothing more to write about now so shall quit,
Fri. Sept. 17. Weather very cool. Had a notion to make a fire but did not
and it was quite unpleasant in the school room. Sent my chain in to get
fixed but Harlo thought they had better get a new one and so brought the
old one home. Got no letters from any one. Wrote one to Uncle Joe.
Sat. Sept. 18. Got ready and started for town. Went down to the school
house and they were at work cleaning it. Started on and got on a load of
hay and rode nearly to town, then rode the balance of the way in a wagon.
Got shaved clean and looked like a different man. The barber said my Girl
would go back on me sure. No letters. Got home about seven.
Sun.
Sept. 19. Rather cool for the season. Wrote my diary full in the forenoon
and went down by the barn and sunned myself and the sun felt very good.
Went down to Sunday school and got along very well in class. Came (home)
and did not write any letters to any one. Rather (cool?) weather this
evening.
Mon. Sept. 20. Cool weather and we had some frost last
night. Went down to school and saw Mr Briling fixing the seats down. Had
some darkies for the first time. Nothing worth writing only it is cold and
seems as though it will soon be winter. John W. Gardiner
Tues.
Sept. 21. Very cool and had to build a fire in the school house for the
first time and it felt real good. Got along very well and the carpenter got
everything finished except the Blackboard, and things begin to look rather
comfortable and think I shall have a good school.
Wed.
Sept. 22. Weather not quite as cold as yesterday. Did not make a fire.
Nothing to write about now so I shall quit. Haven't any letters from any
one yet and don't know when I shall. The roads are very dry and dusty.
Thurs. Sept. 23. Weather warmer and some signs of rain but we
did not get any. The boys went to town to day but they did not (get) any
letters for me so I am out this time. Nothing to write about.
Fri. Sept. 24. Weather not quite so warm and had to build a fire in the
stove during the day. Expect to go to town tomorrow and see if there (are)
any letters there for me. Did not write any for I thought I should wait
till I got one and know what to write.
Sat. Sept. 25. And
still the weather grows warmer. Got ready and started to go to town and
found a load of hay and rode to town on that. Got a letter
from my girl and wrote an answer. Saw and
and (sic) Billy and the Prof and they did not know me. Came home on a hay
ladder.
Sun. Sept. 26. A fine morning and Harlo came over
and we wrote out the con-tract. And had quite a chat with him of old 36
times in which he played a prominent part. Did not go any place to day nor
write any letters. Read in the MTimesT? yesterday that Thomp McDaniels was
the man who was killed in Kentucky.
Mon. Sept. 27. Weather fine
and had some more new scholars and laid down rules and am going to watch
and see how they work. McDaniels used to come down to our house and play
with us boys and was thought then to be a respectable boy but alas! things
have changed!
Tues. Sept. 28. Weather fine and dry and don't
look as
though we were going
to have any rain
soon. Sent to town for my mail by Bob
but did not get
any.
I never saw the like of gnats in my life as were in
the
air today. A person
could not rest for them.
Nothing more at present.
Wed. Sept. 29. Looked some more like
rain and was not quite as warm as yesterday and looked like "Indian
Summer". Nothing of importance to write about and so I can't write much. I
am getting along very well in school and have lots of darkies. John W.
Gardiner
Thurs. Sept. 30. Cloudy and somewhat cool and looked as
though it would rain in the morning and in the afternoon it did rain some
and the wind got around in the North. It turned cooler and the wind blew
harder. Think it will frost to night if it clears off.
Fri. Oct.
1. The wind blew all night and it did not frost much. Had a fire in the
morning and wore a heavy coat for the first time during my school. Went out
in the field and helped Bob get a load of corn for the hogs.
Sat. Oct. 2. Wind from the South and looked something like the beginning
of winter. Went to town with Mr Gorman and got three letters, one from my
Girl, one from Siss and one from Uncle Joe. Took dinner with Mc and
Preacher Dibber was there also. Wrote a letter to my Girl. John.
Sun. Oct. 3. Very windy and warm and remained at home all day and read
Leslie's Paper and wrote two letters, one to Siss and one to Uncle Joe.
Have taught 3 weeks and think I am getting along very well. Saw Wherrell in
town and had a talk with him over the Darkey question.
Mon. Oct.
4. Clouded up in the morning and looked some like rain, but cleared away
before noon and turned warmer. Nothing of importance to write about. Sent
my (letters) to town by a man going in with a load.
Tues.
Oct. 5. Weather cloudy in the morning and a little cooler. Wind got around
in the N. E. in the forenoon and the clouds became more heavy and it began
to rain in the evening between 4 and 5 and rained some till near the middle
of the night.
Wed. Oct. 6. Rather cold and the wind was
from the North. Had a fire in the School house. Sent for mail but the boy
forgot it and of course I came out at the little end of the horn. Have
nothing to write about so shall quit. John W Gardiner
Thurs. Oct. 7. Somewhat warmer though I built a fire in
the morning but it cleared away and was pleasant. Have not so many darkies
as usual. Nothing to write. John W. Gardiner
Fri. Oct. 8.
Cloudy and looked as though it might rain. Not cool enough to have a fire.
In the evening about four it began to rain and kept it up though not in
much quantities during the forepart of the night yet the ground is not much
wet. John W Gardiner
Sat. Oct. 9. Somewhat rainy and misty in
the morning and looked as though it might continue through the day, but it
cleared away and didn't rain much. Went to town and got two letters, one
from my girl and one from Mollie. Saw Billy and the fair is next week.
Sun. Oct. 10. Somewhat cool and rather cloudy. Frost hasnft killed
the tomatoes and potatoes yet and they are growing finely yet. Went to
church in the forenoon to hear the S Methodist preacher and in the evening
went down to the Spiritual meeting and saw something new to me and the
simplest grand extant I think.
Mon. Oct. 11. Went down to
school and made a fire and it felt very good for this time of the year.
Nothing of importance to write about. Think it will frost to night if it
keeps on cold. To day is my birthday and I am 24 years old.
Tues. Oct. 12. Cool and we (had) the first killing frost of the season.
-The ground was covered with it this morning and I guess this will conclude
the growth of vegetation for this year. Went down to Harlo's and stayed all
night with him and had a talk on Spiritualism.
Wed. Oct. 13. Got
up and went out and there was not as much frost as yesterday morning and
not near as cold. Wind from the South. Went over and got some money of
Frank Starnes. Came and wrote this. No letters this week.
Thurs.
Oct. 14. Rather cold and cloudy and the wind was from the north. Had a fire
all day. No news from the fair or any place else. Studied whether to
dismiss and go to the fair or not but finally concluded to go and dismissed
till Monday.
Fri. Oct. 15. Started in town at 9 and got there at
Elevan and went down and got no letters from any one. Went up to the Hotel
and got my dinner. After dinner went out to the race and saw some of the
best racing that I ever saw any place. Took supper with C. P.,
Sat. Oct. 15. Went down and got a letter from Uncle Joe. Got on the train
and started out to see my girl. Got there at 11.00 and found her just as
ever beautiful as a full blown rose. Concluded our wedding and had a sweet
time I can assure you. Left at 1/2 past 3 and got to the train in time, and
to town also.
Sun. Oct. 17, Got up in the morning but did not
feel very well but after stewing felt better. Went (to) Church and went
home with Mrs Mc. Took dinner with her and had some music. Then she had the
buggy brought out and we got in and she brought me home. John
Mon. Oct. 18. Weather has been warmer since Friday and looked some like
Indian summer. We have had some ice though not much. Went down to the
school house and Geo came down and we had a
little talk about his affair and he started for 11worth.
Tues.
Oct. 19. Nothing of importance to write about. Wrote a letter to Mollie
yest. but did not send it away to day. My school is getting along very
well. Have heard nothing from the convention yet. Weather very dry and
dusty roads are the only ones to be seen.
Wed. Oct. 20. Fine
weather and the corn is drying up nicely, and the wheat is looking fine for
to be so dry. Wrote a letter to my Girl and told her how I got home. Expect
to send it in the morning. The leaves fall slowly and it seems as though we
have had Ind. Sum.
Thurs. Oct. 21. Started my letters by
dutchman but think it will be alright. People are thrashing their buckwheat
and there is quite a quantity of it in the country. Except I shall get to
live on cakes and molasses this winter which will be very nice, I think.
Fri. Oct. 22. Had some fun at school in the afternoon. Briling has
been fixing the coal house and hitch rack. Came home and Mrs Richardson and
Mrs Harlo were here on a visit. Nothing to write only it is very dry and
dusty.
Sat. Oct. 23. Went to town and got two letters from Ida
and Siss. Saw Jim Riley who had just got back from California and says
times are hard out there and thus it goes. Still no scatter. Went (to) see
the grand Spectacle - Fracise(?) Lost at the Opera. Not what I expected.
Sun. Oct. 24. Very windy and dusty. After breakfast got ready
and went up to Sunday school and saw Miss Newby and had some singing. Came
and wrote a letter to Uncle Joe after dinner. This evening the wind lulled
and it sprinkled some and looked as though it would rain.
Mon.
Oct. 25. Twas blowing from the north and comenced to rain about 8 o'clock
and kept it up nearly all day and it was rather cold and gloomy looking.
Sent my letter to the office. Heard nothing about Politics from any source.
Rather (tired?) to night.
Tues. Oct. 26. Somewhat colder than
yesterday though it has cleared off and looks like fair weather now this
morning. Had more fire than yesterday though I wore my thin coat and felt
comfortable. Sent for mail by Bob. Bob (brought) me a letter from my girl.
A little whiskey aboard, think I.
Wed. Oct. 27c Had a very good
turnout and got along very well. Had a fire till noon, then it turned
warmer and clouded up and looked like rain. Sat up till 9 o'clock but no
rain and had cleared off. Potatoe digging is the rush now in these
parts.
Thurs. Oct. 28. Had no fire today and it was rather warm
for this time of the year. Went over and saw Mr Richardson and concluded I
would go and not come back till Tuesday evening. I thought I might take a
notion to go to the election. Never saw finer weather only a little dry.
Fri. Oct. 29. Very cloudy in the morning and turned colder during
the day. Dismissed at 1/2 past three o'clock and came home and dressed and
went in to town with Cogswell and it was quite chilly. Found Ralph at the
Golden Gate. Went out in town and went to bed at 8 o'clock.
Sat. Oct. 30. Got up early and found we had a nice
morning. Got out home all right and found the folks all well. Marion Hall
came down and had a chat with him. After dinner Alf and I took the buggy
and went over to Oskaloosa and as we came back it was quite cool.
Sun. Oct. 31. Had a terrible night's rest and did not
feel
well.
Got ready
and started after my girl and brought Jennie home
with me.
Found
the folks
nearly all there.
Sent after McKee and he came and we
got
ready
and they
were married at ^
o'clock.
Mon. Nov. 1. Got up and did not feel much
better.
Pete came over and
said
we were to come over to Uncle Ad's this evening
and
we went up to town in
the
evening and took a drink and the girls smelt
it
on our breath. Went over
and had some more fun but it was all forced.
Tues. Nov. 2.
Felt not very well. Played Authors in the morning and then went up to town
and got a buggy and came home, and ate dinner and started home with Mattie
and Jennie. Bid them good bye and left for town. Voted and got on the
train. Got (to) town. Took supper and home at 8 1/2 ofclock.
Wed. Nov. 3 A little cooler than yesterday. Did not have many scholars to
day. No darkies hardly in. Don't feel very well. Have not heard from the
election yet. Went to bed at 8 o'clock and fell asleep soon. John W.
Gardiner
Thurs. Nov. 4. As dry as ever and no show
for any (rain) soon. Heard that Bond was elected by 1600 majority and the
others were all Ds but can't tell much about it. Haven't heard from home
yet nor any other place.
Fri. Nov. 5. Fair weather and
dry. Had not a very ( ) school. In the evening got in the wagon and started
for the dance. Got over to Starnes and they were not ready and got out and
waited for them. Got down to the dance. Stayed till 1/2 past 1 oc. Twas a
beautiful night.
Sat. Nov. 6. Got up at 8 o'clock and ate
break(fast) and got ready and went to town. Got no letters from any one.
Saw Billy and Johny and they were all right. Election is over and the lucky
ones feel cheerful. Saw Mrs McCleery and they were all well. Came home.
Sun. Nov. 7. Warm and pleasant and remained at home all day. Felt
somewhat lonesome Wrote a letter to my girl and told her what I thought
about the day. Have felt a little unwell today but think I shall feel
better soon. Signs of rain at 8 o'clock.
Mon. Nov. 8. Cloudy and
looks as though there was going to be a change in the weather. Made a fire
in the morning but let it die out towards noon. Sent my letter by Geo
Lannier. Somewhat cooler in the afternoon and about 4 it began to sprinkle
a little and still keeps it up.
Tues. Nov. 9. Cleared off in the
morning and looked rather pretty though somewhat chilly. Had a good school.
Went to llworth to hear Tilton lecture and saw and heard the great Tilton
and think he is the smartest man I ever heard and his lecture was good or
well said at least.
Wed. Nov. 10. Feel somewhat tired but
got along very well. Billy Bradshaw was out to visit me and took dinner
with me and we played ball at noon. He stayed with me till recess. Came
home and felt sleepy and went to bed early.
ThursJ Nov. 11. A little cool in the morning but turned warm and was a
fine day. Nothing of importance occurred today. Wrote a letter to Barb and
sent it down to Fairmount by Arthur. Weather was beautiful at 8 o'clock but
looks ominous.
Fri. Nov. 12. Clouded up and began to turn cooler
in morning. Not many scholars in to day. Frank Starnes brought the pipe and
two erasers. After supper went over to Richardson's and took another supper
and played old maid. When we came home it was snowing some.
Sat.
Nov. 13. In the morning the ground was white with snow. Went down and fixed
the stove pipe. And then we started into town and snowed nearly all the way
on us. Stopped at Mcs and took dinner. After went down and got my letter
from my girl.
Sun. Nov. 14. It was cloudy in the morning and
looked like more snow though it did not. Went down to church but nothing
strange or of any importance happened. Came (home) and read the papers and
felt very well. Did not write any letters to any one.
Mon. Nov.
15. Got up and found that the weather betokened rain or snow. Went down and
built a fire and it went off all right. People are about through pulling
turnips and are beginning to feed their stock and it seems like winter.
Prather came out and was slightly acquainted with him.
Tues.
Nov. 16. Very
cold in the morning and
did not get much warmer all day.
Had only one
darkey.
Have not heard a word from home since
I came down the
last time. Wind
was
in the north all day and lulled
about sunset. Did not
go to the L.
Wed. Nov. 17. Not
so cold though it was none of the warmest. Had a good many darkies in to
day. Wrote a letter to my girl and told her of the Lecture and sent a
letter to her Father and Mother on confidential business.
Thurs.
Nov. 18. Weather warmer and looks rather pleasant. Had a fire most of the
day. Sent myletter in by Page the Spiritualist. Played ball and had a fine
time and lost my sleeve button and did (not) find it out till I came home.
Went back and found it. Had a visitor to day.
Fri. Nov. 19. Had
some clouds all day though it was rather pleasant. Mrs Cogswell was up to
at (sic) our house. After supper went down and organized a Literary and I
was elected Pres., and ( ). There were several girls out but was not
acquainted with them so did not have fun in that roll.
Sat. Nov.
20. Weather fair and pleasant in the morning. Got ready and went to town
and got a letter from Uncle Joe, Went over to the office with Billy and met
Miss Hinton and Van Eman and (had) a chat with them. Got ready and started
home and the weather turned colder and growing colder.
Sun. Nov.
21. Weather quite cold and looks as though it might be winter. Remained at
home all day and read Harpers and wrote three letters. Have nothing more to
write about. Our subject for debate next Friday night is Resolved ffThat
Hedge fence is more benef than rail fence"
Mon. Nov. 22. Weather
moderated some. Went down and built a fire and sent my letters in by Ed.
Klussman. Had a full school and two new scholars and got along all right.
In the evening about four o'clock it turned warmer and
looked like falling weather but not it has cleared off.
Tues. Nov. 23. Was not very cold. Thought it was right chilly myself and
had a fire all day. Came home and found Mrs Stigers here and found her a
very nice woman and she invited me down to see them. Horace Harlo was over
and gave me a problem for solution.
Wed. Nov. 24. Played
ball and got well warmed up. Took a scuffle with the boys and strained my
breast and went in the school house and cooled off too quickly and when I
came home felt very sore and tired and after supper more so and went to bed
and got worse.
Thurs. Nov. 25. Thanksgiving and in the
morning when I got up I felt bad and found that I had been spitting blood
during the night. Remained at home all day and was in bed more of the time
and was pretty sick. Got some pills in the evening and took 3 and then I
was sick.
Fri. Nov. 26. Went to school and felt some
better though I did not feel very stout but got along all right and came
home and ate my supper and it was the most I had eaten since Tues. After
supper went down and found some there and more came and we had a good
time.
Sat. Nov. 27. Felt some better and got ready and
went to town and (it) was very chilly when I got to town though it was not
cold. Found no letters and of course was disappointed but remembered what
she said about being busy and so consoled myself. Saw no one from
Winchester.
Sun. Nov. 28. Felt some better and read the papers
and did not go any place in the forenoon. In the.afternoon it turned colder
and I did not go away as expected. Wrote two letters, one to Bud and the
other to my girl and think it is about time that I was hearing from her and
the folks too.
Mon. Nov. 29. Monday was very cold but I had a
full school and got along very well and felt considerably better but did
not play ball. Did not get to send my letters to the P.O., for it was so
cold that no one went to town. Did not write any for the paper.
Tues. Nov. 30. The weather had moderated a great deal and it is quite
pleasant. Am feeling quite well. Sent my letters off early in the morning.
Came home and went to work writing my part of the paper and wrote until 7
ofclock and only got 4 pages filled. Called it the Thunderbolt.
Wed. Dec. 1. Sun arose clear and bright and looked like a spring morning
and not like the beginning of one of the winter months. Went down and built
a fire but (didn't) need much of a one after the room was heated. Went out
and played ball for the first time since I have been unwell. Weather very
dry.
Thurs. Dec. 2. Had a little fire in the morning but did not
make any after the room got warm. Wrote my paper and nearly got through but
did not write my poetry. Think it is hard work to edit a paper. Weather
very fine for the time of the year. Went to bed at ten.
Fri.
Dec. 3. Made no fire at all and it was quite comfortable all day. Went down
after supper and found the house full. Went to work and got along all
right. After Recess we had discussion and reading of the papers and they
seemed to take very well and came satisfied of doing our duty.
Sat. Dec. 4. Very foggy in the morn and looked as though it might
rain. Warm all day. Went into town with Cheatwood and stopped at Mcs $
found them not well. Went down to the P.O. and got 7 letters, 2 from Siss,
2 from Mattie, 2 from Alf and one from Pink. Wrote one to Alf §
Mollie. Got a coat.
Sun. Dec. 5. Rather cloudy § misty, and
looked like a spring morning. Remained at home all day. Harlo's §
Reub's folks were up. Wrote 3 letters, one to Mattie, one to Joe § one
to Barbara. Feel some better since I got my letters and think I ought to.
Weather turned cold in the evening and began to rain or sleet.
Mon. Dec. 6. The ground was covered with sieat and the weather is rather
( ) § looks like winter. Went down § made a fire and the scholars
were very lazy coming in. Sent my letters in by Dempe and came near having
to whip one of the darkies and had some switches brought in.
Tues. Dec. 7. Nothing of importance to write about. The weather is still
cold. George Larimer came down and visited the school and gave me an
invitation to the party. He thought the Literary was splendid and is going
to bring some young ladies next week.
Wed. Dec. 8. The
weather is warmer and looks like we might have good weather for awhile.
Came home and finished writing my paper. Nothing to write about but time
flies faster than last week.
Thurs. Dec. 9. Weather nice
§ warm and played ball and had lots of fun. After supper Arthur §
I went over to the party and had lots of fun and got acquainted with some
ladies from the city and from Mo. They are quite attractive and one comes
near being kin.
Fri. Dec. 10. The wind blew up in the morning
but did not keep it up all day. Felt somewhat sleepy though I got along
very well. Went down to the Literary and we had a fine time and I got hack
for publishing that letter but she is all right now.
Sat. Dec.
11. Got on the load of hay § went to town & saw some of the fair
sex twice £ they bid me good-bye. Found out that there was a great
deal of sickness in the city. Got a letter from home; none from my girl.
Stopped at Mcs.
Sun. Dec. 12. Fine weather and looks like
spring. Went down to church and there was quite a crowd. Came home. Sat
around and thought of things in general § how hard it is to please all
classes of people. Wrote two letters, one to P. D. § one to Mattie.
Mon. Dec. 13. Warm and fine. Had a good school, and some new
scholars. Saw Mrs Cogswell and told her that I should be down and stay with
her one night this week. Sent my letters in by Wm Corman. Came home and
found Eva quite sick though not serious.
Tues. Dec. 14. Wind
from the South West
and a little cloudy though not
enough to make any rain or snow I
think.
Sent in for my
letters by Bob §
Arthur. Got no letters. Hogs are
worth
7 1/2 meat(?) and are lower than
usual.
Wed. Dec. 15. Fine weather § did not have to keep
a fire all day in the
schoolhouse. Went up § stayed all
night at Cogswell and had quite a social time. Read the Pres^ Message and
think it very good for Grant.
Thurs. Dec. 16. Clouded up in the
night but was nearly clear in the morning and it had gotten somewhat colder
and the wind rose and blew rather hard during the middle of the day.
Whipped three of (the) darkies.
Fri. Dec. 17. The coldest day of
the winter and if there had been snow on
the ground it would
have been quite cold. Our Literary was very gqod and
we had a
very good crowd out though there was not many speeches. Rather cold
this evening.
I
Sat. Dec. 18. A
little cool in the morning but in the after part of the day it was quite
pleasant. Went into town and got one letter from my girl. Took dinner with
Ms and went down in town and had my measure taken for my boots. No other
letters.
Sun. Dec. 19. As nice a morning as one could wish.
Looked like a spring morn. Went to Sunday school $ preaching. Camehome
§ took dinner § started for the Penn and went to Sun School
§ Preaching. Saw Jack Tom and they were well and looked fine.
Mon. Dec. 20. Warm in the morning and the wind was blowing from the S.W.
and before noon it blew very hard and did not get cold. Wrote a letter To
Mattie and went to bed. Waked up in the night § it was raining some
but did not rain much.
Tues. Dec. 21. Very warm for the time of
the year. Did not have a fire in the School House at any time in the day.
Did not get to send my letter to town. Went out to Soper's Literary and
they had a very good one but they had quite a noisy set and came near
having some fights.
Wed. Dec. 22. Built a fire in the morning
though it was not cold. Went down to Harlo's and stayed all night and two
two orders. The weather had changed; looked like rain and it was quite warm
and remained so all night but it did not rain. Sent my letter off.
Thurs. Dec. 23. Very warm and still looked very much like rain. Did not
have a fire all day and it (was) pleasant enough. Many in school and no
darkies hardly.
MEMORANDA
April 30. Went to the
concert at Marshall school house and it rained so hard that we could not go
home and there were not many there though we sang some songs and after the
singing we commenced to conjecture(,) one : the probabilities of the
weather and it rained as hard as ever and we did not go home and we could
not go to sleep nor talk, we were so sleepy. At 1 o'clock we had no notion
of going for it rained as hard as ever and no rest for us could we find and
so we had to grin and bear it and we did it with a jolly good will.
Amen.
Old settlers say this is the most backward spring that
they ever saw in Kansas. This is 4th of May and I haven't laid my overcoat
away yet. It has been very cold all over the U.S. according to accounts
from the papers.
http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/213194/text