The Diary of Nancy Holmes Corse is housed in the Department of Special Collections, Miller Nichols Library, University of Missouri-Kansas City. The project was initiated in 2004 by a UMKC student, Lauren Petrillo, and the Department of Special Collections. The diary was discovered among the department’s holdings and used as the focal point of a research project. The content of the diary was digitally captured using scanning hardware and software to create electronic images of the original pages. A line-by-line transcription was created by Ms. Petrillo and saved as a searchable word document, which was also scanned. Each scanned page and its corresponding transcribed part were pasted side by side and saved as a single image file, enabling users to view both the original hand-written page as well as a typed text alternative. The complete diary transcription is also available online for keyword queries.
On March 27, 1858, her eighteenth birthday, Nancy Holmes Corse began keeping a diary and continued writing until May 4, 1859. During this thirteen month period, Nancy copes with the death of her father as well as family tension regarding the inheritance – specifically the way in which her older brother and her mother treat her. The diary, therefore, not only serves as a record of the day, but as a forum for her feelings. Ultimately, the pages reveal more about the nature of the writer than the character of those written about.
Nancy was born on March 27, 1840, in Enosburg Township, Vermont, the middle child and only daughter of John and Sara Holmes. She lived on her family’s farm in Franklin County, several miles south of East Enosburg, in an area known for its production of butter and maple sugar. In 1856, her father died – an event that set in motion the drama she would play out within the pages of her diary – and through primogeniture law of the time, the estate became the responsibility of the oldest son, Ephraim. Virtually overnight Nancy’s position shifted from that of daughter under a father’s economic protection to hired help at the mercy of an older brother.
Like many nineteenth-century diaries, the Corse diary also records details such as weather conditions, daily activities and household chores, including cleaning, ironing, sewing, and knitting. Seasonal duties are documented as well, including “shugaring [sic] off” (the term sugaring refers to making maple syrup or maple sugar), making butter and soap, and harvesting oats and corn. Her literary activities are mentioned, too, including books read and school attendance, which occurred from the first of September until the middle of November. The diary records many members of the community, most of whom appear later on 1860 Federal Census records for Franklin County. She records the names of the dead and dying, including local clergy and physicians. She also writes about the community of the Freewill Baptists in Enosburg that paints a picture of religious life in rural New England. She names members of the clergy and individuals that were baptized or married. She records virtually every meeting she attended, including Temperance Lectures, singing school, Sabbath School, and prayer meetings, and lists the Bible verses from many sermons.
In the last few months of the diary, Nancy married Malcolm Sears Corse, a direct descendant of survivors of the 1704 Deerfield Massacre during the French and Indian War. (During the Civil War, Malcolm fought with the first Calvary unit of Vermont, the same unit for which Nancy’s younger brother, John Silas, fought and died). The marriage to Malcolm, which brought four children between 1866 and 1875, offered newfound independence and financial security outside her immediate family and provides closure to the diary.
Major portions of this section above have been excerpted and revised from “I Suppose I Am My Own Girl Now” and other supporting text researched and written by Lauren Petrillo.
Color images on the home page show modern-day rural Vermont near where Nancy Holmes Corse lived and wrote about in her diary. Photographs are courtesy of Janice Geraw, Enosburg Historical Society, Enosburg Falls, Vermont.
Below is a searchable text format of the diary of Nancy Holmes Corse; use the "Find" command under the Edit Menu of your Internet browser to run a search. The transcribed text matches line for line the content of the original diary; click on a page number to view that page from the original diary.
Nancy Holmes
Book
Enosburgh
Vermont
Nancy H. Corse
Comencing the 27 of March 1858
Debtor to Ephraim Holmes for
one postage stamp 3cts ‘3 Aug 14. 31 cts
one Mantilla $3.00 3’00 75 cts
one pair of calf skin shoes 1.00 70
May 7. 1 Bonnet 1.00
½ yd. silk ‘25
1. Belt ‘25
1. Border ‘30
1. Flowers 30
1. Pair. Gaiters 1.50
May 25. triming a bonnet ‘28
June 6. one quire of Note paper ‘17
one bunch of envelopes 12 ½
June 21. 10 yds. Law. 22 a yd 2’20
1. 1 Cotton 11
2. Edging 16
1. set hoops 25
1. Collar 75
2 Handerkerchiefs 17.30 .47
June 22 10cs Money ‘10
July 1 st postage stamps ‘10cts ‘05
whalebone
March 27, 1858
My eighteenth birthday. I am resolved hereafter first
to always live a christian and also keep some
kind of a Memorandom. And I hope I shall always
keep my first resolution.
27. Saturday. A fine day. Ephraim has been to West
Enosburgh with a wagon. It is quite good wagoning
especially for the time of year. He brought me a
letter from Julia E Hopkins. Grandmother been here
to day. I have been mending and finished off Ephraim
two pair of pants. Ephraim gave me callica for a
dress for a birthday present. I tore off the breadths and
sewed them up.
A line for my thoughts. I suppose I am my own
girl now and can do as I am a mind to. But I am
not any happier now than I was one year ago though
I think I am a little for I hope I am a christian
and always mean to be one. And I hope that God
will bless the man under whose influence I learned
to know that I was a sinner. I always knew that I
was a sinner but not in the same light.
H. L. D. called here this evening and I dismissed him
28. Sunday. A very pleasant day indeed. Silas came
home last about 12 o clock he is at home to day. I have
been reading the life of David Marks. A first rate Book
he comenced preaching when only 15 years old
29. Monday. Very pleasant. Been washing and a little
of a good many things about house have not had time
to sew but a trifle. Aunt Almira came here before
I got through washing and staid about all day
This afternoon Mrs Libbey and Mrs Tracy were here.
30. Tuesday. Very pleasant. Moped this morning &C
And been fitting my dress. Charlotte M Dunton came
here about one o clock she is going to stay here too night
I called in to Mr Libbey’s with her a short time we have
been to the shugar house and round about. good night
31. Wednesday. Very pleasant. Been making pies and doing
house work and sewed some. Charlotte and I went
over to James’es but I had company and had to come home
Emily and Diantha Wilburn and Jane Wyman were
here. Charlotte came back here this evening and Henry
came over had a very good time he went home about 12
Charlotte is going to stay with me again too night we
have very good times praying together.
April 1858
1st. Thursday. Very pleasant. I have ironed and finished
my dress and fixed my hoops and skirt &C. Charlotte
went away early this morning. Mother was so mad because
we had company that she would not get up and eat
breakfast and when she did get up I had to take it.
O I hope God will give me grace and wisdom so that
I will say nothing back but it is so hard to have her
do as she does.
2nd. Friday. Some cloudy this morning but clears off so it is
quite pleasant. M. Corse. came here last night and staid
all night with the boys. Silas came home also Ephraim
shugard off he invited Mr Tracys and Wymans folks
over I left them eating shugar and came up and went
up to Meeting I walked up. Silas and M went up
at noon. Had a first rate meeting a short prayer
meeting at noon Ephraim came up and got me.
Silas went away to night. M. Corse. came again to
night and staid all night again
3rd. Saturday. Pleasant. Moped and mended some &C
I finished reading through The Broken Promise a good
warning too young people I think There was a kind of prayer
meeting over to Mr Libbeys Mother and I went had a very
good meeting. O dear I am lonesome this evening
4. Sunday. Pleasant.Another pleasant sabbath has arrived
and every one ought to be thankful that they are spared
monuments of God’s mercy. Silas came home about 10 or 11
Ephraim has been over to Grandfathers. Ephraim and Silas
have gone up to prayer meeting at the Dow school house
5. Monday. It is some cloudy and sprinkled a little this
morning. Ephraim shugared off this morning Mother
went out to the shugar House made some nice sugar
E has gone up to the shoemakers. The lister 1 was along this
morning.
6. Tuesday. Snows this morning but clears off before noon
but cloudy all day. Eliza Smith came here last night
just after we sat down to tea and went away this morn
we enjoyed ourselves very well. I am sorry to see her
so rude seen she is one of the converts. I went up
to Mr Blakes this afternoon. I hulled some corn to day
Mrs Libby came over to see Mother this afternoon
7. Wednesday. Colder the wind blows quite cold considera-
ble pleasant. I have washed and moped and swept up
stairs and round and sewed some and knit ditto
There has been a prayer meeting here this evening about 18
of us had a good meeting. Headache was here
she asked my forgiveness for what story she told but still says
she was told she has told two different stories about it.
I will try and forgive but I can’t forget such a story as that
8. Thursday. Very pleasant indeed. Ephraim has been up
to Mr Fletcher’s and got him a churn it is a new kind
I have been over to Grandfathers to day came home early
I have not been there before for a long time When I got
home Mrs Tracy was here so I went to work and got tea
9. Friday. A rainy day rains most of the time. Ephraim been up
East to day Mrs Wymans children all here a little while this morn
I have ironed and finished Mother a shimma and mended
&C and so on
10. Saturday. Another stormy day it both rains and snows.
I have been moping and sewing and choring round.
Finished filling a tub of butter the first tub we
have made this year. Like the new churn very well
11. Sunday. Pleasant. M Corse here last night. Silas
came home and Henry Dunton came along and
they went up to the centre to meeting staid half
the day Henry staid here till evening meeting Ephraim
and I went up Mr Baker preached he preached
very well.
12. Monday. Pleasant. Washed and so forth I called
down to Mr Denio after I got the work done
13. Tuesday. A rainy morning not very pleasant to day it
rains quite hard some of the time Ephraim been down
to Austins to a drawing bee
14. Wednesday. Another stormy day. I have been sewing
finished me a waist made it out of my gingham
skirt. had a prayer meeting here again this evening 10
of us had a good meeting F C Dunton here this afternoon
15. Thursday. Rains again to day. Mother gone up to
Uncle James Miller’s to day Ephraim gone most all day
The Wyman children here most of the time some of them
16. Friday. Pleasant The wind blows some. Ephraim gone
to the Village today A pedler called today I got me a
Mantilla of him E could not pay him now
17. Saturday. Pleasant and the wind blows quite hard.
Mother been over to Mrs Tracys to day I have been baking
M Corse here tonight
18. Sunday. Very pleasant. Silas came home toward’s noon
and went rite away after tea he brought me a box
of thing that Susan A Reed sent me it was quite a
present. (I have not got a great deal of dirt in my eyes
but am some sleepy after all) I walked up to the Dow school
house to night to meeting Elder Bussel preached
Clara Green was there so I had company home she had
to call to Mr. Brown and Elder Bussel was there so I
had to stay a while I stayed about an hour and talked
with Elder Bussel I had a good talk and it done me good
for I see my way clearer and shall join the Calvanist Baptist
Church if any
19. Monday. Very pleasant Ephraim and went to the
funeral to day Mary Davis was burried she died Saturday
morning 3 o clock. Elder Bussel preached from John
5.28.29 he preached well just as he always does
This afternoon I went up to Mr Browns again meeting
appointed at 5 but Elder Bussel went up to Thomas
Snell’s and married Mr William Mills to Miss
Julia Davis. Three were taken into the church to night.
Mr Brown Mr and Mrs Cole and five of us related
our experience and are candidates for baptism O I
hope we shall alway be faithful. It was quite a trial
or I thought it was to have to related my experience
for I never heard any one before and only Mr. Brown
to night I am afraid I was rather a green hand
Clara was there so I did not have to come alone
20. Tuesday. Cloudy and the wind blows quite hard. I
have washed and moped and so forth Grandmother just
called in this morning
21.Wednesday. The ground is white this morning and not
a pleasant day cloudy and stormy most some of the time
G. Allard H Dunton N Davis called in here before meeting
The meeting was over to Mr Libby’s I went over S at home
most all day he brought some cloth for overalls. Oh I must just
write what a flop I cut up with Henry D he was going to get his
team and bring me home so smart and while he was gone
I put on my things and marched home
22. Thursday. Quite pleasant been sewing most of
my spare time. Mrs Wyman came over with her little
girl and mad mother a cup she charged one shilling
23. Friday. Rains and snow clears off just before night
Ephraim and I went up to see Theresa but they were gone
24. Saturday. We have had quite a little snow storm
this afternoon The wind blows quite hard also. We filled
another tub of butter this morning Ephraim has carried
it off got 22 a pound for it I carried Mr Libby’s paper
home and Mr Tracys deed. M S Corse here to nigh I do
not mean all night only here a visiting in the evening
25. Sunday. Considerable pleasant. Silas came home
this morning before we got through eating breakfast for it was
8 o clock when we got up this morning I don’t know when
I lay abed so before but I got up about as soon as Eph.
for he went down to Mr Denio’s awhile this evening
Ephraim and Silas went over to the Eas part of Bakersfield [eve]
to meeting this afternoon Meeting at 2 o clock I gone again this
26. Monday. Pleasant. washed and moped and cut of the bredth’s
of Mother’s dress and run them up and faced it
27. Tuesday. Quite pleasant. I started off on a tramp this morning
I called and see Theresa and to uncle James’es
and then up to James Sargeant’s to Mary Jane had a very good
visit Mary Jane and I generally do. Oh! how I wish she was a christian
Susan Reed came to see me she was here when I got back E came up
and got me I was sorry I went when I found that I had company
28. Wednesday. Stormy this morning and the wind blows
the ground is considerable white but clears off quite pleasant
this afternoon. The snow is gone the wind continues to
blow quite hard. Ephraim has gone down to see the judge
of Probate. (I am thankful he can’t judge only in this world
and gone to Williams to get some butter tubs. I have
been sewing on Mother’s dress. Grandfather’s folks been up
to Uncle Amos’es and he sent Mother a great nice fresh [callers]
fish. I have been over to Mr. Libbey to prayer meeting. had a number of
29. Thursday. Pleasant. Ephraim took the wagon up to be
booted cushioned. Mrs Denio been here this afternoon visiting.
I finished mother’s delane dress. Mr Brown called at the
gate and told me that Mr Buzzel would not be up
Sunday because the folks over east are making such a
stir and most everyone had given up being baptized O
I am sorry for I had got my mind fixed on it so much.
but this world is full of dissapointments. Mrs Elias
Lawrence is verry rich do not think she will stand it long
30. Friday. Rains a good deal of the time to day. I have
been baking in the brick oven done up a solid baking
it is the first time I have baked in it for a long
time. The last day of April I do not know as I shall
live to see the last day of next month or at least of
another April but it will not make much difference if I
am only ready which I hope I shall be
1st Saturday. Very pleasant indeed. I have been moping taking
care of butter and such kind of work. Silas came home with
M. S. Corse. to night just dark I have had a good visit with
M to night altho M dont appear hardly a bit as he used
to he is trying to be a christian and I am so glad. I wish
every one would be christians. Only think one week make such
a difference in a person and for the better to Oh! how
much more I can think christians we seem to be friends.
I dare not write my thought’s to night nor my feelings
for perhaps sometime some one will have this book
that I shall not want to know them. But I can say Bless God
2nd Sunday Another pleasant Sabbath day. Ephraim and I
have been to meeting afoot to day for E lent his wagon to Mr
Wyman to go and see her sick brother Elder Bussel preached
from John 1st 29. His health is quite poor so he preached only
one sermon. They or we had a church meeting of sermon
I stayed. Ephraim and went up to prayer meeting this evening
and S also I feel quite happy to night. Don’t you think after
all I have said to Hen Dunton he wants me to go up to
the centre to meeting Tuesday evening what a greenhorn
3rd. Monday. Very pleasant. I have been awashing and moping
and this afternoon I am kniting some of the time and reading
May Martin or The Money Diggers very good for such a
kind of a book but the Bible is better altho I do not
love to read it as well as I wish I did
4th. Thursday. Very pleasant indeed. Ephraim and I have been down to
the village I only went to see Polly had a short visit. The Dr.
stoped here a moment was in a great hurry. O dear
I am O so downhearted for they say because I am 18 I must
take care of myself. The Dr is very kind to me for he
will advise me &C. I wish I could go to the Centre
to meeting this evening and I should feel better I think.
5. Wednesday. Not so pleasant cloudy and sprinkled this
afternoon and evening. I have been over to Mr. Libbey’s to
prayer meeting. Ephraim goes over and goes into Jims room
and stays
6. Thursday. Bother of a rainy day. Ephraim and Mother
gone up to uncle Williams this afternoon. Jane Wyman come
here soon after they went away and staid about all the time they
was gone I would rather she would not come for I like to be alone.
7. Friday. A little colder and some cloudy. I called in to
see Aurelia a little while this afternoon. There I am
lonesome way down here can’t get out to meeting much
nor any where else. They are having a revival to the Centre
I wish I could go This year is noted for the great revival’s.
8. Saturday. Pleasant and warm. Roselina and Susan and
uncle William here to tea Roselina and baby here this afternoon
(M.S. Corse here last night and George Allard here till 10 o clock).
Oh! I must say that I had a ver ry very nice present last night.
a fine Bible which I shall always keep for sake of the
giver that is if I can. Finished filling the third tub of butter.
9. Sunday. Cloudy this morning and looks like rain but
clears off pleasantly this afternoon. Ephraim and I have been to
the Centre to meeting the first time we have been as far for
more than a year. Mr. Kent spoke in the forenoon and
Mr. Baker this afternoon enjoyed myself well. I sit with
Mr. Dows people this forenoon and with Laura Davis this
afternoon had invitations enough to sit with people
10. Monday. Pleasant. Had quite a thundershower last night
just dark the first thunder and lightning we have had this year
washed and moped and sewed and knit and &C and so on
11. Tuesday. Cloudy and rains some today. I have been baking Mr
Rivers laying wall here to day Mrs Libbey here most all the afternoon
12. Wednesday. A rainy day rains hard a good deal of the day.
I have been cleaning house to day cleaned the kitchen and
cuppord and some in the buttery E been to West Enosburgh.
13. Thursday. Rains some this morning but clears of quite pleasant
been puttering round some I wish that there was more work to
do here then I should not be so lonesome. I cipher a little evenings
have for 2 or 3 evenings this week.
14. Friday. Very pleasant a splendid day as pleasant a day
as I ever saw. But O it is dark within not that I am very
unhappy for that is not natural for me but I do not
serve the great God that made me as I ought to I am
such a sinful creture there is no goodness or soundness in
me if God was not a merciful God he would cut me down
and put someone better in my place he would not let
me cumber the ground. O the poor heathen off in Africa.
I wish I could be with them a little while and talk with them
about what a Savior I have found or hope I have found.
15. Saturday. Thunders some and rains quite hard some
or we have quite hard showers 3 or 4 times. Been taking care
of butter and hulling corn and all so on. Mr. Henry Dunton
came here just before dark and I tell you he was not
wanted I wished him a thousand miles away. M Corse
came after 9 o clock Mr. Dunton was just horid enough
and knew just enough to draw a horrid looking
picture and write some as horrid stuff and put it
in M’s pocket little scoundrel I hope he will not
come here again as long as I live here. Silas has hurt his
wrist and has been home most of the day we have
been talking about the estate here Ephraim is so short
about it I wish I could never hear another word said
about it. I think he means to make quite a sum
out of Land but I will not quarrel with them if I never [have anything]
16. Sunday. Pleasant and is not very warm it is cold
for the time of year. I went to bed and layed bed about an
hour and a half last night or this morning but I have
layed abed considerable to day. Silas went away this morning.
17. Monday. Considerable pleasant and quite windy.
I have washed and moped &C. Called in to Mr. Wyman’s.
Aunt Polly came here to night. M.S. Corse been here this evening.
18. Tuesday. A rainy cloudy day. Ephraim and I have been
to the village. I traded 4>s worth and what I have got
don’t seem as tho I could see anything hardly worth that
M. and I have been up to the Centre to meeting had a very
good pleasant time only it rained all the evening
19. Wednesday. Warm and pleasant it was very cold
yesterday. I went over to Grandfathers with Aunt Polly.
I have been over to Mr Libbey’s to Prayer Meeting
only a very few in for it was not known I did not only
a very few moments before I started
20. Thursday. Sprinkled some and cloudy. Been baking
had two men here to dinner that Ephraim bought
two cows of so that we shall have six this summer.
Mrs. Elias Lawrence died yesternight 10 past 6 O c
21. Friday. A rainy day. Ephraim and I have been up to
Mrs Lawrence’s funeral. Mr Kent addressed the people
from Revelations 22 chap last clause of the 20 verse
Silas and George Allard called this evening
22. Saturday. Pleasant. I have nothing of importance to
write to day Ephraim been over to Olson Barber’s
23. Sunday. Pleasant till about night up there it
clouds up and in the evening rains very hard.
I went up to meeting a foot E came so I rode home
Mr. Kent preached & expected that there was a
prayer meeting and so did E till after I went away.
M S Corse stopped when he went home from
meeting and staid this evening
24. Monday. Rainy. I have washed and moped and
commenced a rug
25. Tuesday. Some cloudy. Ephraim been to Jacksonville
to day he got my bonnet it has cost me about 32s.
Malcome came up here to night and we went down
and gave Clarissa a talking to for that story she
told whether it will do any good or not I can not
tell I talked very plain to her I think she appears
to be sorry and I hope she will do better.
26. Wednesday. Pleasant. Been cuting Ephraim a
frock and overalls and sewing on the frock. I went
over to prayer meeting this evening very few in
27. Thursday. Pleasant and warm. I finished E’s frock.
Charlotte Denio and Lorette Farnsworth and myself
went down to Mr Austin Denio’s. Mrs Hopkins and
Adelia came here so I had to come home I went
home about 5 I guess. I sold Mrs. Hopkins my black
bonnet for 1’00 seems as that was rather cheap but she
thought that was all she could give
28. Friday. Pleasant and warm. Been Ironing and
fixing up round some. Mother gone over to see Mrs.
Wyman this afternoon. Silas been at home but has
gone again I think and am quite shure he has gone
over to Daggett’s I do not know what has will become of
him he spends faster than he can earn getting ring
and a watch and locket and all such kind of things
I do wish he would be steady but I do not know
as he ever will be but still I keep hoping
29. Saturday. Very pleasant indeed. Malcome came
here this afternoon between two and 3 staid this eve.
had a good visit he intends going south next week. I need
not write anything about this evening for I shall always
remember it I can say I have made a lasting
promise
30. Sunday. (I forgot to state friday that Elder
Bussel came over to Mrs Carpenters and sent
Clara over for me and I went over I did not stay
a long time. I was there to tea had a good visit
I wish I was one half as good as I think Elder Bussel [is]
Very pleasant a beautiful day. Silas at home today
or at least a little while he then went off up to Jim
Sargeants and Bessy’s to get his watch fixed I do not
know what will become of him for he is a dreadful
boy. Ephraim and I been up to meeting Elder Buzzel
preached and Baptised Myself Clara and Hannah
he Baptized 4 down in Sheldon today it was at 4 o
clock meeting up east. Eph let Malcome have the
team and come home with me he staid this evening.
To day has been a solemn day with me I have thought
of both my promises about being baptized and my
other promise. I hope I shall always set a good example
before everyone and let my actions always be such as
becomes a churchmember. I always mean to be a
humble true Christian and always be good natured
and of a pleasant disposition. I hope that I shall never
get mad at anyone and scold or jaw for it is a bad
plan. Mr Harwood was married yesterday to Miss
Cordelia Ayers it was a quick match I do not
think hardly anyone even thought it
31. Monday. Pleasant only the wind blows very hard
I have done a heavy washing and moped and taken care
of butter finished off the fifth tub I am very tired
my stomach feels very bad it has felt bad for a few
days I hope it is not going to trouble me
June
1.Tuesday. Another pleasant day. I have been
baking and had a good many chores to do to day my
feet ached so before 9 o clock that I did not know how
to work but have to work well or ill
2. Wednesday. Pleasant. Ephraim been down to the village he brought
me a letter from Julia Hopkins. I was very glad to get it.
been sewing on Ephraim’s pants. I have been over to meeting
3. Thursday. Pleasant. Uncle Snell’s folks went over to Grandfathers
and so Ephraim carried Mother over. I have ironed &C and so on.
4. Friday. The wind blows very hard. I have moped this morning
I feel rather sober to day I expect M started on his journey
this morning he intended to when I last saw him.
Mary Jane came along and stoped for me and we went
over to Mrs Grouts and Luthers she is so wild that I do
not take half so much comfort with her as I should if she was
steady when we came back she stoped here and she went out
and milked 2 cows for E. I rode over with her and called and saw
Aurelia.
5.Saturday. Considerable pleasant. Mrs. Tracy called with Sabra
a while and mother went back with her to Mr. Libbey’s to
a Free Will monthly Meeting.
6. Sunday. Rains a little this morning so that Eph would
not go to meeting I don’t think he would gone anyway. I
hope if I ever get away from here I shall have enough
sense to keep away for I may do and keep doing for them
and then they won’t as much as carry me to meeting
only once in a while up to the school house if it was
anything but a meeting or if he wanted to go he could
go well enough I do not know but he is ashamed of me
because I cannot dress as well as he can but he wont
get anything so I do not know as I am to blame for I
do as well as I can. I know he is able to have nice things and
is well off but how does he get it by cheating Fatherless
Children out of it but perhaps I am censuring him hard
but God forbid that I should. I got all ready to go up
east to Meeting at half past four the meeting commences I
got my bonnet and shawl on all ready for a start and there
come up a shower and he would not go. it has thundered
and rained very hard since then. Silas and George
Allard came with him about 1 oclock Silas I suppose
has gone to meeting. M. Corse came home with him and
staid till well I may as well say morning as anyway.
7. Monday. Considerable pleasant only the wind blows very
hard indeed. I have washed and moped and this afternoon
Ephraim went down to the village and I went to bed and
slept two or three hours he went down after a barrel of
flour. Very warm to night.
8. Tuesday. Pleasant and warm. Uncle Snell wife and
Grandaughter been here all day. We churned this morning
and I have been baking some and so forth been round
the house about all day. I fixed me a dress or at
least took the waist of a skirt and fixed it to wear
with a jacket. I called in to Mr.Tracy’s and Libby’s
after I got the work done.
9. Wednesday. Cloudy and rains this afternoon. Eph
gone over to Grandfathers to shear his sheep. Mother has
given me a severe talking to to day I do not know
why she should do so unless she is afraid folks will
think more of me than they do of her she has been talking
to me about being religious and from that on to most
everything. It is a hard thought for a child to think
that a Mother will tell things that are absolutely
false and that I know and so do the boys she says
herself that she says to my face and also to my
back that I abuse her and I am willing that anyone
should ask the boys if I do. but enough
I have been over to prayer meeting Mr Thomas Lawrence was
down there was no others only the neighbors had the best meeting
we have had at all I think they all appeared to be awake
as Mr Lawrence was talking (he was telling about the people
that used to be to the meetings down here) he “said there
was John Holmes a man I thought everything of.”
I think of Father often but when I hear others speak of him
it seems as though it touched a tender chord.
10. Thursday. Cloudy this forenoon and rainy this afternoon
Ephraim has gone up to Whitman’s to get his boots he
worked on the road this forenoon. Silas. Davis. came here
shortly after E went away and staid till he came back
that’s doing well is it not the first time he came to
see about some harness tackling that Maye had he
and Mother a long talk I think if she was well I
should begin to think but now I cannot I suppose
To night they all went to bed early and I tell you if I was
not lonesome L Davis said a few things that I cannot
understand all I can make out of it was is that he thought
I would not be very happy with or live a happy
life with my Malcome if anyone was going to see
this properly I should not say my Malcome
I wish I could see him or at least know where he is for I
expect he has started or gone to Dunsbury but do not [know]
11. Friday. A rainy wet day. I have not got the clothes
dry this week I went out and picked them up and rinsed
them out and hung them up I got as wet as a rat.
I have been moping and sewed some and mended and
knit some Ephraim gone down to the blacksmith shop
12. Saturday. Considerable pleasant. Been ironing for I made
out to get the clothes dry this morning. Ephraim been to work
on the road he took the Yankee Frenchman home to
dinner. After I got the work done I went down across
the branch to Elder Cole’s. I got across pretty well
going down had a very good visit I saw Denison Davis a
few moments. Coming home I got across two streams
well (I crossed where the branch is divided into three
streams) but the third I took of shoes and stockings
and waded through I said nothing when I got home
I will warrant you for they thought me foolish
for going but I do not feel above old Elder Cole
I got home early I did not stay more than two or
three hours at the most I guess I might say an
hour and a half or two
13. Sunday. Cloudy and looks like rain but I believe
does not much here. Silas came home about noon. We
all three been up to meeting at four classes the
sabbath school at four I went into one of the classes
and sent for a question book. Elder Buzzel
preached from Mark 14.8 first clause “she hath done
all she could” he preached first rate he always does
but he preached well to night although he looked
about sick abed house full. I believe everyone likes
him and how can they help loving him he is so good.
He gave Hannah and me the right hand of
fellowship to night it was solemn I tell you
he talked well to us There was some wet eyes as well
as mine. Oh I hope I shall always be as good as he
told us to be but I am so sinful and little and
most everything bad I do not know what I shall do.
I wished as Elder Buzzel was preaching to night
that I could go off to Africa as a Missionary but
I suppose that will not be my lot now. M went
last Monday so Silas told me. I have not heard a
word yet
14. Monday. A rainy wet day Ephraim been up to
Mr Barbers and down to the village. I have been
doing washing days work as usual and mending &C &C.
15. Tuesday. Pleasant and warm. I have been making beer
and baking. just before tea a little Irish foot pedler with
table cloth and spreads &C called and as he gave me good
Advice I will write it down or at least some of it
for I cannot remember only a little of [what he said] altho he was not
here only a few moments. He was good looking sandy
whiskers he told his name but I have forgotten it short.
He told a story about a Green. (The way he happened to
tell was Mother asked him if his name was Green)
that poisoned his wife when they had been married
only eight days before he married her another girl gave
him the mitten and this Green was going to have a
wagon or sleigh ride and went and asked this girl
and brother to go he told her he was married she said
I don’t believe it he told her it was so she told him
she meant to had him he did not believe that and
asked her if he was single if she would have him she
said yes he went home and poisoned his wife and he
was hung. His advice was try every way to mad a fellow
you could said I what if they get mad let them go and
try another he said that before you was married they
was as good as could be would not get mad before you
but after they was married they would scold he said just
as he was about starting that never make a promise
go with just who I was a mind to until he wanted
to get married then go right along and be married.
I said to him that was too late advice he said all
the evil he wished me was that it would turn [out] right
on my side anyway hed said that we were the most
sociable ladies that he had seen to day We had a good
talk. I should like to seen him longer. he came over
in March and in eight days from now he should be
on the ocean he is going back to Ireland
16. Wednesday. The wind blows very hard considerable pleasant
otherwise. I believe I never knew a time when the wind
blew as much as it does this spring. I have been cleaning
up the parlor. Pascal Rivers is laying walk for Eph
I have been over to prayer meeting so few in I do not
know as they will have anymore but I wish they would
for I like to go. Ephraim gone up to uncle Williams Pascal
gone with him
17.Thursday. Pleasant and warm. I have churned taken care of
the butter and washed between 40 or 50 pans to day we are making
soap I have that to see to E and I moved the stove and I have
moped and Ironed and swept all round up stairs I have most of
the water I use to bring. My stomach is so sore and lame I don’t know
what to do after I got the work all done I tried to have E let me
go over to Mr Maynards with him for the ride and he would not let me
18. Friday. Very pleasant and very warm. I have been
seeing to the soap and cleaned all round up stairs.
This week the work has been very hard I hope next week
it will be easier and I think it will. Pascal’s being
here this week laying wall makes some work for he
stays all the while.
19. Saturday. Some cloudy and sprinkled a little but
quite a comfortable day. I called in to Mr. Libbys a little
while. Jim first salute was I heard some news about
you the other day that was about my being married the
fourth some how or other I dont know anything about it
only what folks tell me I should like to know how that
happens but it don’t worry me any if it does I don’t know
Ephraim stoped and got Louisa tonight
20. Sunday. Pleasant till just night after meeting was
half out or more it commenced raining. Ephraim carried
Louisa and I up. Mr H preached from Proverbs
8.16 and 3 last verses preached very well mostly to the youth
21. Monday. Pleasant and very warm Ephraim and I
have been down to the store I have been sewing most
of the time since I came home.
22. Tuesday. Very pleasant and warm. I have been sick
all day I never worked when I felt worse I worked over
some butter that is about all I have done it finished
the 7th tub I could work only a few moments at
a time then sit down and rest I tasted of nothing
till towards night then I eat 3 or 4 mouthfuls
of bread in ginger tea Mother has done considerable
she washed the dishes this morning the first time
for over two years I feel a trifle better to night
(altho this was not written Tuesday for I could
not have written if I had wanted to)
23. Wednesday. Pleasant. I feel much better today
than I did yesterday I have skimed lots of milk
and done the chores and sewed some Mother has
been over to Mr Tracy’s Silas has come home
to day gone back to night.
24. Thursday. Pleasant and the wind blows
I have done a large washing although I did not
feel much like it I lived through it
25. Friday. Pleasant. I have moped and baked
Silas came home to day unwell gone back again
26. Saturday. Pleasant and very warm has been very
warm all the week Silas came home again today
but is well enough so that he and Eph have gone off
I have ironed and taken care of butter. I have finished my
first white dress to night I received a letter to night
27. Sunday. Pleasant and not quite so scorching
hot. Ephraim and I been up east to meeting Silas came
home also and went. Elder Roberts preached two
sermons and Elder Bussell one at 4 o clock and then I attended
Sabath School I had a good lesson. I christened my white
dress I was dressed well to night. These are very vain
thoughts I do wish I was not so proud and wicked
Elder Bussel preached from the first verse in the
Bible
28. Monday. Pleasant. I have washed and moped and
been a strawbrying and got enough for a shortcake pie
and some sauce.
29. Tuesday. Some cloudy and sprinkles just at night
Mother and I were intending to go over to Mr. Libbey’s
but they went away so I have been over to see Aurelia
a little while.
30. Wednesaday. Cloudy this morning but clears off
quite pleasant. Mother went over to Mr. Libbey’s this
morning and I went a little while this afternoon
Ephraim has been to East Berkshire to see the judge
and he saw the Dr and he says he was going to give
me a talking to when he saw me and Eph wont
tell me a word what it is for or about and I
cant imagine and I have got the fidgets well I
can tell you . I have been over to meeting at Mr. Libbey’s
July 1858
1st. Thursday. Very pleasant and warm. Ephraim has gone
down to Sheldon to county convention. I went down on
James’s a strawberrying I got a milk pail full before
I picked them over a six quart pan full after I made
preserves of them. Mother Mrs Demio and Libbey gone over
to see Mrs Tracy. I received a letter to night
2nd. Friday. Very pleasant. I have been baking and taking
care of butter and swept the house about all over
Old Mrs Wilburn and Nabby been here also Charley
with them Martha Wright the School Teacher came
and stays with me to night
3rd. Saturday. Some cloudy and much warmer.
Celebration to Bickford today Silas went he came home
about six Ephraim has been up to the centre and down to
the village. Mother and I have been over to Mr. Libbeys
to their monthly meeting Charlotte Dunton was examined
or at least was to tell her experience but she did not
say hardly a word her Father did it for her it did
not seem much like Elder Buzzel’s examination
July 4th 1858. Sunday. Cloudy and looks like
rain all day I have been up east to meeting Charlotte
Dunton was baptised and as they tried to be so great and
was a Dunton performance I must write it down to read
in after years. The text was 1st Cor 2 last clause of last verse
“But we have the mind of Christ” I think it a droll text
for such an occasion (but she was set up to the greatest
notch) And the dress was another thing I looked at she was
dressed in white collar prim mitts and all (mitts black of course
dressed up very nice to go into the water and then she had a
Silk pinned over her head so that the water would not
run into her ears and held one tight over her mouth and
nose so as not to strangle. I think a christian need not
be afraid of strangling when they are buried with
Christ in baptism. Mr. Ladd was dressed in superfine
black the same as in the pulpit. I understand C
would not wear a cloak (she calls them) as we did she
was immersed in rear of the school House
5. Monday. Pleasant. I have washed and moped Mrs
Libbey here this afternoon Elisa Smith just called
she had been over to Wyman’s to trade and first run
over here and I went back with her. Mr Tracy came
over and got some swill to night he occasionally comes
and gets some
6. Tuesday. Pleasant and warmer it was quite cool
last night and this morning in fact it is cool weather
for this time of year. Ephraim was going to the Centre so he
carried Mother down to H Rice’s and I went to see the Dr
but he is always gone when I go there when we came back
I stoped to Mr Reed’s and made a visit had a good
visit Susan came as far as the top of the hill this side of
the school House with me we called to Mr Maynard’s
I called to Mr Demio’s I have spoke with about 25
different persons to day
7. Wednesday. Pleasant. I have been unwell all the
afternoon I am afraid my health is going to give out
Ephraim has been down to the village.
8. Thursday. Some cloudy this afternoon Ephraim
and Mother have gon up to uncle Snell’s I should
like to have gone but I am not well enough and
had a large ironing good deal of starching &C to do
9. Friday. Some cloudy but a good day. I am not very
smart but so that Mother and I have been up to
Mr Hopkins’es had a good visit Mr Libbey brought
up the paper and I was very much disappointed because I
did not get a letter and I am some lonesome
10. Saturday. Considerable pleasant this forenoon but it
rains as hard this afternoon as I ever knew it to we have had
very hard showers. Ephraim has been to the village to day and
staid till the mail came in and I got no letter from M
and am almost a good mind to be vexed about it
11. Sunday. Rather rainy the fore part of the day and
cloudy in the afternoon. Ephraim Silas and I have been up
to meeting at 4 o clock Elder Buzzel preached from
the 4th chap of John he preached well. I attended
Sabbath School .
12. Monday. Rains very hard the forenoon. Ephraim has
been up east and down to the village and round this
afternoon it has not rained but cloudy. I called over to
James’es Charlotte Dunton is there now. I can’t go there
lately but what James laughs at me little plague
13. Tuesday. Rainy day have had 3 or 4 hard showers.
Uncle James and Aunt Polly Ann .been here this afternoon
Uncle Levi Far came here just as tea was ready
14. Wednesday. Some cloudy yet but considerable pleasant.
Silas came home last night and staid till
long 9 o clock or so to day uncle Levi went away just
after dinner Ephraim’s hired boy Henry Coon came
this morning. Ephraim has been folish enough to swap colts with
Ben Far and I am a good mind to write that dreadful word
Trouble for I hate to see things going as they are
I have been trying to have him settle with me but he
wont and now to see Fathers colt as fat and handsome
as could be everyone praising it and telling how fat and
handsome she was and to think that it is swaped off
for an old poor thing and even to it is to bad.
And I have not heard from for so long a time that
I have really got the blues a little I do not mean to be
downhearted for that is not right but I feel some bad
but God knows what is best for me and if I only served
him as I ought I would be glad Oh! how glad I have
his holy word to read and for that I aught to be more
thankful. Perhaps this momentary trouble is a punishment
for my unfaithfulness and ungodliness but I sincerely
want to do better but it is so easy to be wicked for
such an unfaithful unprofitable servant as I am.
My health is also poor for me tho I dare not say so
here out loud but I am not near so fleshly as I was
before I was sick that Tuesday I think and am sure
This moment while I am writing my head aches and
my stomach pains me so that I don’t know how to
write I have to work harder than I ought to but they
hire me so I must work. I fixed my skirt this
afternoon and Mother said that they did not hire me to
work for myself and other girls are offered 1.50 I have ‘75
15. Thursday. Very pleasant and warm. Ben Far came
back with Rob early this morning the colt he had he has not
paid for so he cannot swop nor sell it. Ephraim does not
act as though he was much sorry and I guess he is not
We filled the eighth tub of butter this morning.
16. Friday. Very pleasant and very warm. I have made a
cheese to day and beer and sewed and all so on My headaches.
After I got the work done I went down to Mrs. Demo’s
17. Saturday. Pleasant and warm. I have churned some and
taken care of the butter and moped and ironed this forenoon.
Ephraim has gone to the village to night and carried Henry
he was going home he calls it but poor boy he has
no home I am very sorry for him he is a dreadful
wicked boy Silas came home to night. Mr. Chilson
came and helped the boys part of the afternoon.
18. Sunday. Pleasant. We have been up to Sabbath
School Mr Kent is unwell so he did not come down
Mr Chilson came back to night. Oh! I got a letter last
night it was after I went to bed but I’ll bet after
all the rest had gone to bed I jumped up and read it
pretty quick it was a good long one. And Ephraim and I
received one from the same person Henry Miller had
got it
19. Monday. Pleasant. I washed made cheese and had
a lot of milk to skim and pans and dishes all washed
at ½ past 9. This afternoon I have picked currants for
preserves.
20. Tuesday. Pleasant. I have been baking
Mrs Wyman and Sabra called awhile I am in a
hurry so I cant stop to write any more. I called in
to Mr Libbeys a little while
25. I have been sick ever since Tuesday night and have
not written any I was real sick Wednesday and Thursday
not much better if they would only get someone else
to do the work a few days and let me rest and it
would do me no hurt to Doctor some I think
I guess that Ephraim will never find any one else that
will crawl round as I do. John Hayse ran away
last Monday night.
Sunday. A beautiful Sabath morning cool very for
this time of year Silas came home yesterday afternoon
I have been up to sabbath school. Jims folks are gone
and Charlotte came over and is staying with me to
night she came and made me a visit last
Thursday afternoon. I was over to Jims last Tues
night as I was coming home I met Thomas Snell
and I signed 50 cts towards having Elder Bussel
preach up east next year comencing 1st Sept
26. Monday. Pleasant. I have washed and moped besides
the other house work. Henry Coan does not come back
his brother wants him rather bad for Ephraim E 22 today
27. Tuesday. A curious day it has not stormed but
very little while it looks like it then will clear off and
the sun will shine. I have been baking.
28. Wednesday. Considerable pleasant and the wind
blows. Such fine wether and comfortable health and I
serve God so little for these mercies and my influence
is not such as I wish it was Oh I am not enough of
a christian I have not enough of the love of jesus
shed abroad in my heart I want to be more like [him]
Clarissa sent to have me come down there I went
29 Thursday. Rains a good deal to day. Ephraim been
down to the village. Mr Wyman handed me a letter
last night when I was coming home Clarissa an Joseph
ine were with it was from my friend
30 Friday. Not very pleasant Ephraim been to the Centre
31. Saturday. Pleasant. I have made cheese moped washed
windows and chairs and all so on I tried to milk tonight.
Ephraim did not let me finish
1st. Sunday or Lord’s day. Pleasant and I wish I were a good as
it is pleasant. I went to meeting and sabath school
enjoyed myself very well. I have made one resolve and some
other things I wish to note down resolves not to make a
practice to write letters of business nor any letters only to
one dear friend and as I do not get much time weekdays
I will or do write some sundays to that friend.
And I promised to let Susan Reed know when I have
made arangements to go to school and I do not wish to
forget it. Elder Bussel preaches at the Mission House
one week from to day up east at 4 o clock at church
meeting two week from yesterday at the Mission House
at two oclock. It is so dark I can hardly see to write so
I must stop
2nd. Monday. a washing day. Some cloudy and has rained a
little Ephraim finished haying to night. I have done
something to night that I never done before for I
milked all of one cow. Mr Chilson went home to night
and just to show how Mother uses me I will write
what he told me she told him I have done some work
for him and he spoke about paying me she says to him she
is to work for Ephraim hand it to him but said he to me
when I get the change I shall hand it to you Henry Isariel and **** here [to night a while]
3. Tuesday. baking day. Not very pleasant Uncle Amos
and Ephraim been over to Grandfathers and worked part of
the day. I called over to Jims Charlotte came home with me to stay all [night]
4. Wednesday. Not very pleasant the wind blows quite hard
Ephraim went down to Jacksonville this morning
5thursday. Funny weather today rained all round
us but has not rained much here. Mr Chilson at work
for Ephraim to day they finished up over to grandfathers
did not get home until very late I got the cows and
milked two. I went up on Horace’s hill a berrying did
not such a great many but I saw a beautiful prospect
I could see the Milking House at the Centre Dow school
House and almost ours and a great deal more all
at one view Oh I should like to live in such a sightly
place I could but pause wonder and praise God.
6. Friday. Rains quite hard some of the time I have
been ironing taking care of butter &C &C.
7. Saturday. Pleasant. Ephraim is at work for Isac Wilburn
this afternoon I went out and picked six quarters of berries
I made preserves and had to work like fun I got the cows
and milked three
8. Sunday. Very pleasant indeed Ephraim and I been
down to the chapel Elder Bussel preached I have not been
down there before for considerable over a year to meeting
I received a letter to day. I came home and got a cold
supper and went up to meeting again.
9. Monday. Pleasant. Edgar Wyman with called about
dusk a little while
10. Tuesday. Pleasant and very warm
11. Wednesday. It rains part of this afternoon. Mrs
Tracy here. I have been spining some to day what I
could get time to. I got a letter to night
12. Thursday. Some cloudy
13. Friday. Pleasant. Mother gone over to Miss Carpenters
14. Saturday. Very warm and pleasant. Ephraim
and I have been to jacksonville and I went to a
covenant meeting. The first I ever attended I did
not stay till it was out for E was in a hurry
15. Sunday. Pleasant. Ephraim and I went up
east to meeting to night.
16. Monday. Very pleasant. I do not write what I do
for I find enough to do all the time. This is poor
paper so I can’t write very well and I guess that there
is no one that can and it is so rough that it spoils my
pens
17. Tuesday. Very pleasant. I have been over to see
Laura I went dow across the branch steped across on
the stones the water is very low they sent over and Louisa
and jenni came up we had a real good time I did
not get home untill most dark Lib Barnes had
been here and I thought I could not go to bed
till I saw her so I went over a few moments.
She is just the same girl as she used to be she
has got to be a tall fine young lady now. I wish
she was a christian that is all she lacks of being
one of the best of girls
18. Wednesday. Pleasant. I have got a severe
headache this morning and awhile I was so dizzy
I could but just see.
19. Thursday. Cloudy and not very pleasant. Ephram
was going to jacksonville and so he went up round
by the Centre and left me I called at the Dr he
was gone and so I came back to Mrs Rices to see
about a boarding place if she keeps house I can
board with her I came down to the Graveyard the
first time I have been there since dear Father
was burried it don’t seem as though hes rested
there but I suppose his body does but his spirit has
flown away to Heaven. I saw one grave stone which
was particularly touching a childs with a little hand painting
[upwards]
20. Friday. Not very pleasant. Mr Corse came down
here to day to see if I knew anything about Malcome
his letters are being sent back to the Centre I think he
must have gone away from D. I am very sorry for his
for they feel very bad about him Mr Corse
appears like a fine old gentlemen I was introduced
to day he told me he should like to have me come
there and board and I guess I had better for it is near
21. Saturday. Pleasant
22. Sunday. Cloudy. Ephraim and I have been up to
meeting Mr. Ladd preached I went up a foot
but it rained a little and Ephraim came up and
got me
23. Monday Pleasant. I have been washing &C &C.
I went over to Mr Wyman’s and got cloth enough
for me a waist and a dress pay with socks I sit
up till ten o clock and sewed
24. Tuesday. Cloudy and rains this evening some
Mr Jim and John Hayes came and helped E get
up oats they were here to supper just after we
had got seated I happened to look out and who
should I spy but Malcome just come to town
25. Wednesday. Very pleasant. I have done the
house work and sewed till after nine I have made
a dress since Monday night anyhow
26. Thursday. Very pleasant Mrs.Brown
Mrs Carpenter and Miss Carpenter and Helen Lawrence
came to see us this afternoon Helen staid all night
she wants I should go there and board but Mr
Corse called and told me I could go ther and I
think I shall
27. Friday. Cloudy. Mrs Wyman came to see
us this afternoon with her little girl I finished
my waist to day.
28. Saturday. Cloudy and rains to night and
very hard part of the night I have been to the store
this afternoon and after chore time I called in to
Mr Denio’s and Wilburns and came home &
M was here had a good visit
29. Sunday. Cloudy. Ephraim and I went up to [4 o clock meeting]
30. Monday. Rainy done a large washing Elisa
came to night Mrs. Libby called I just called
in to Mr Wymans
31. Tuesday. Rainy. I have been full of business
so I could not write any of the particulars but
will try and do better when I get up to school
good bye to home now
September
1. Wednesday. Considerable pleasant it is some
cloudy. I came away from home this morning I
came here to Mr Seth Corse’s to board and attend
school I like as well as could be expected everything
is pleasant and convenient and nice as can be
There is nothing more I could ask for I got along
pretty well at school considering that I am a
green farm girl I am some lonesome
2.Thursday. Pleasant. I have been to school
and after school Maria and I went down to the
burying ground. I can see where Father rests
but I cannot see him
3rd Friday. Not very pleasant it rains this after
I have just got through with my lessons and
have seated myself to write to Julia
4. Saturday. Pleasant. There is no school to day
we read and Mr Sherman asked some questions
about Arithmetic that was all I went home to
night
5. Sunday. Rains to night some Ephraim
and I & Elisa went up east to meeting Elder
Bussel preached right up here a good way
6. Monday. Pleasant. I have got so lazy that
I don’t write much but I don’t study as much
as I aught to I don’t know where my time goes
7. Tuesday. Very pleasant they have company here
to day. There is no school to day Ephraim called
to see me but Silas came most forward of
the house with Hen and did not so much
as come in
8. Wednesday. Pleasant. I am not very well
yesterday and to day I vomited yesterday quite hard.
9. Thursday. Pleasant.
10 Friday. Rained quite hard last night
[to night]
I have written a composition sunset
11. Saturday Pleasant. Ephraim came up and
got me he stayed to dinner I went home
and washed and worked all the time Hen
called and made quite a visit.
12. Sunday. Rather rainy this morning E and I
have been up to meeting Elder Bussel
preached from Proverbs 4th 23 a first rate
sermon. Malcome came down to our house
and we had a good visit or at least I did &
will let him say whether he did or not himself
well I guess he did for he staid late enough
13. Monday. Pleasant. I got up and ironed this
morning and helped Elisa a little and came up
to school. I have got a very hard cold
14. Tuesday. Pleasant. My cold grows worse &
worse. I have been down to the burying ground
to night I love to wander there it creates solemn
thoughts and thoughts long to be remembered.
15. Wednesday morning I have such a cold that
I cant go to school I am very sorry for I want to be
learning for I find I am a very dull scholar.
16. Thursday. Rainy day. I went to school this
forenoon have not been this afternoon my reasons
for not going are because I have got (I believe)
the worst cold I ever had and we don’t have
no fire and it is both cold and damp and
I had not aught to go. I have helped Electa
sew some this afternoon
17. Friday. Rather rainy again to day I have
been to school this forenoon and intended to
go this afternoon but went and had my
Profile taken sit six times got one picture
18. Saturday. Pleasant. I sit four times this
morning and made out to get my Ambrotype
and that cost me two dollars. Ephraim come
and got me before dinner. Phary and baby were
there Phary and I went up Mr Denio’s a
few moments Howards folks came in the eve
but we did not get home till just as they
were starting off Ephraim went to carry Elisa
home and I called on Louisa she went home
with us
19. Sunday. Pleasant. I went up to Sabath
School with Ephraim and Louisa Ephraim
came and brought me back this evening.
I called down to see Dr Page it is not expect[ed]
he will live much longer but he is ready
to die Oh I am so glad he is. Nancy
20. Monday. Pleasant the wind [blows] some
oh dear I wish I learned faster
21. Tuesday. Rainy. Malcome and I watched with the
corpse of Dr. Page the night was rather long Laura and
Esther Davis came up here to day. Father died two
years ago to day
22. Wednesday. Pleasant. I came home and went
to bed and forgot to get up until half past
10 o clock I went to school this afternoon
23. Thursday. Considerable pleasant Mr. Page
is burried to day I went from school
down to the house Maria had a company or
at least some of the scholars came down
I don’t know how many or who and I was
not asked in to the parlor and I am some
mad I can tell you I don’t mean to get
mad for it is not right but I know
when I am used well. I took a right tonight went home
24. Friday. Pleasant. Ephraim was up to day
25. Saturday. Very pleasant. Miss Learnard came here
this afternoon. I have been assisting her in Arithmetic
I called down to Mr Lawrence’s a little while after
ten
26. Sunday. Pleasant. I staid and went to meeting
I went all day and this evening. Dr. R Eaton is dead
27. Monday. Pleasant. Maria is going home to night
so as to go to the fair tomorrow.
28. Thursday. Tuesday Pleasant and warm. I have been to
the fair had a good time. I called down to Mother this am
29. Wednesday. Pleasant been to school
30. Thursday. Considerable pleasant. Maria and I
went over to the Office and coming back we called and
heard Miss Safford play on the Pianno
1st Friday. Rainy I have been to school. Mr Corses
folks have company her sister and niece and their
husbands I believe.
2nd Saturday considerable pleasant Ephraim came
after me about 2 oclock
3rd Sunday. cloudy all day and looks like rain but
does not untill night I walked up to sabath S
and from there up to uncle Snell’s he is a sick
man. I had to go back down to the school House in
the rain mud and dark I got back just after
Meeting comenced as wet as a rat I came from
there to the centre it rained so we stoped to Mr
A Davis’es he brought them up to their home
and so we stoped a short time until that shower
was over the Minister was there Mr Townsend
4. Monday. The wind blows and cloudy early
in the morning it was considerable pleasant
I have been to school
5. Tuesday. considerable pleasant. I have been to
school. Malcom and I have been down east to meeting
Elder Buzzell preached form Romans 7. 21 a very
good sermon a real good one We had quite a talk
with him after we started for home. Maria come
back to night
6. Wednesday. stormy to night and dark.
I have attended school
7. Thursday. not very pleasant rains very hard this
afternoon so hard that Ihave not been up to school
I sent out to St. Albans yesterday for a bonnet
by Malcolme and he has got me a beauty a better
one than I am able to have it cost about $4.cc
I don’t know to have such a one this fall but it
suits me to a charm as to color and such thing
it is none to large by the by.
8. Friday. very cold and snows a little the Mount
ains are considerable white. I have been to school.
9 Saturday. a stormy bad day. Malcome carried
me down to the Mission House but their meeting
fouled up excepting a prayer meeting that was
out when we got from there we went up to Mothers
took supper there and went up to the Dow school House
to meeting this evening.
10. Sunday. not very pleasant. Ephraim and I have
been up to meeting Elisa went home last night
so I have the work to do and I find enough to do
Ephraim carried me up to meeting to night intending
to bring me up to night but come to get ready to start
Miss Elisa must be carried home she said her sister was
going to bring her back and would not go home with us [before]
very interesting meeting this evening
11. Monday. rather cloudy. I was back this morning I got
to school in season I called in to the Doctor to see Almira
12. Tuesday. considerable pleasant. Silas been up to day
he stoped and see me a few moments got along well to day
13. Wednesday. rainy and bad today.
14. Thursday. Pleasant been to school
15 Friday. considerable pleasant Been to school
16. Saturday. very pleasant. We had our first paper read
today a lot of company in but we did not care for it
was good Ephraim was here to get me as soon as school
was out I have fixed my cape this afternoon this evening
Silas carried Elisa home and I went with them had
quite a little party had a very good time we two Mrs Libby [came to see us]
17. Sunday. some cloudy and rains some Ephraim
and I have been to Jacksonville to meeting one sermon
and then up east Mr Townsend preached I came
up here to night I have been going a steady round
most ever since I went away
18. Monday. considerable pleasant. I have been to schol
This afternnoon about 1 o clock Susan Reed took a
start and walked to jacksonville and back in
about 3 hours.
19. Tuesday. pleasant and warm. Attended school
Called in to see Mrs Page this evening she wanted me
to stay all night but I thought I had not better
20. Wednesday. some cloudy Attended school
21. Thursday. very pleasant. I have attended school.
This evening Susan and I went down east a foot
and down to meeting again to night had a good time some tired
22. Friday. pleasant. Silas came up here this afternoon
he stayed and he and Mr Leonard Susan and I
went down to meeting again to night.
23. Saturday. stormy rains this afternoon most all
the time and very hard some of the time Malcome carried
me down to meeting (although there was rain) and then
round home and up to meeting again this evening he
and Silas went and watched.
24. Sunday stormy been to meeting up east six were
baptized thanks God for converting souls been north [this eve]
25. Monday pleasant and very cold came up this morn
and like to for as I seemingly been to school S here
to day for dinner
26. Tuesday. pleasant. I have been up to meeting this evening
27. Wednesday. pleasant Silas has been round here all day
long I had not dare to ask him to stay to dinner or supper for fear
it would make a fuss I tell you I feel rather bad about
it I have been down to spooners hall to a performance I went with
M but should not have gone if it had not been for S Leach
28. Thursday. pleasant. I have been at our home to night.
If Father was alive he would be 48 years old to day
29. Friday. considerable pleasant. Louisa came up here
night before last I have been over to the store with her
I took supper to Electer’s to night the first time I ever
ate there
30. Saturday. it rained last night and is cloudy to
day I stayed all night with Louisa and staid untill
after breakfast had a very good time this forenoon to
school oh dear I am figity as I can be this afternoon.
The old Lady is mad or I should think she was and
I don’t know what to do I wrote to uncle Henry
this morning and am going to write to Polly this
afternoon
31st. Sunday. rather stormy. I wish I had gone home for
I am homesick no mistake. I hope Maria is satisfied
now she has got them mad at me and not tell any
more lies or stories. I have been to meeting all day
and this evening Maria came back to night I have
not wished school out before but I don’t care much
now how soon it is out if Malcom and Louisa
were not here I verily believe I should die with the
blues I hate snakes in the grass
November
1st. Monday. pleasant been to school I helped them
pare apples to night Maria did not tuck a finger
to help but still the old lady believes what she says
because she’s an upper ten but never mind.
2nd Tuesday. pleasant. attended school Malcom was
going up to Warren Corse’s so I went home walked
from the sand hill got home Mother was all alone
had a good talk with her I feel much better I feel
about as good as any one to night
3rd. Wednesday. considerable pleasant
Malcolm and I went down to see the Lawrence girls
but they were gone so we came back and called on
Mrs. Walbridge. I have another hard cold see Mrs Wallins
[but the girls were gone so we went up]
4th. Thursday. stormy. M and I went down to Mr Lawrences
5th. Friday. cloudy attended school to day. Malcome carried
Louisa and me down to Mothers I went to day untill
Monday I have carried on to a great rat this evening
6th Saturday. rather cloudy and stormy I have fixed
my dress and &C Elder Buzzell took tea with us
I pierced Eliza’s ears this afternoon we went to
meeting this evening it is verry bad getting about
7. Sunday. Snows a very bad day Ephraim
would not go to meeting to day but Elder Buzzell
sent M with Mr Wheeler’s team for me and
then I had to go home afoot in the rain snow mud
oh I was never out such going afoot before
8th. Monday. rainy and bad to day and real cold
E brought me up this morning it is verry bad I did
not get here in season to go to school this forenoon
9th Tuesday. not very pleasant yet been to school.
Maria and I went down to the girls room to Mrs
Rice’s and so up to the Baker girls room and to the
Post Office Teacher Sherman was there had a verry
good time
10th Wednesday. rather dull weather yet
Maria and went down to Mrs Rices again
to night quite a number of the scholars there
did not stay late
11th Thursday. snows some to day Electa had a
last night and don’t you think we all had to go
over there and eat breakfast this morning I would
willingly go without mine rather than gone
over there after it Louisa went home sick last
night so you see they are left without a girl and
the folks here have the work to do.
12th. Friday. pleasant and cold attended school
Ephraim came and got me this evening
13th. Saturday. snowy and windy. I have fixed my
plaid dress been sewing some for myself Silas and
I went over to Mr Tracys and Libbeys
14. S aturday [un]. cold and very pleasant Ephraim
brought me up here again to night Maria went
home and I had to go and stay with Electer I
wanted to attend meeting Nelson L James was
there and I am not used to such works he told
some of the largest stories I ever heard to my
rembrance.
15th Monday. snowy cold and bad I went over to
Mr Brewers to reherse so have only had my
juice to day The school was given up to day to
prepare the meeting house for exhibition
16th Tuesday snowy cold and had examination
I did not miss one question I think I was lucky
school closed to night Mr Sherman talked well
to us I don’t think there was a girl but what
shed tears for we all like him, he is the best Teacher [I ever went to]
17th Wednesday a bad day a pleasant evening
quite good sleighing our exhibition was to night had
a good one I came home to night E was up but
M brought me home
18. Thursday. pleasant worked hard all day I do
not find things as I left them it is a new
fashioned way to hire a girl and give them a
dollar a week and have them leave all the work
for me to do
19. Friday. pleasant. worked hard again to day I am tired
20. Saturday. pleasant. taken care of butter moped and
churned some in the buttry and sewed some this afternoon
we went to singing school up east to night had a good [one]
21. Sunday. a very pleasant day and beautiful even
oh The day has seemed real long to me I have not
been lonesome any before E and I went to meeting
this Elder M Glofflin preached a good sermon
22.Monday pleasant I have done a large wash
to day and my stomach is so lame I don’t
know how to stir in fact I am lame most all over
Mr Tracy and wife and Mr H Dunton Mrs
Bessy and Miss Blake came here this evening
23 Tuesday. snow hard all day only a few moments
in the morning Uncle William and wife here
to day Uncle William is slim no mistake
just putting on his overcoat tires him so I *****
him so kerse all over the room I don’t know how
much further he could be heard
24. Wednesday. considerable pleasant. Lizzie
Barnes called here she is going home tomorrow
I went over and see her this evening Ephraim
and Silas gone down to the village
25thursday it rains or as near rain as
anything Nelson Davis came and got me
to go and watch with Louisa she is a pretty
sick girl Uncle Amos brought me home
I got home before our folks were up
our folks butchered to day Mr Wilburn
helped Ephraim
26 Friday. it storms a little about every
day lately
27 Saturday rains or snows rain again
this evening Mrs Tracy and Sabra came
over a while this afternoon Ephraim and
I have been up to sinning school this eve
I am surprized to see how **** I have got
to be oh I wish I was stricter it will ruin
me if I don’t **** down and I must
try hard to for I can if I try
I went up and see Louisa she teased hard
to have me stay with her
28. Sunday. cloudy. Ephraim and I are
intending to go up to meeting this evening
Grandfather and Grandmother just called
in to day
29. Monday. considerable pleasant I have washed
ironed baked &C and I guess I am some tired
30. Tuesday. snows and the wind blows very hard
I have baked and made citron preserves and
I can't tell what all. Ephraim is quite unwell [to day]
December
1st. Wednesday. very pleasant. I have been down
to Mr Wilburns a while this evening.
I have moped and cleaned and ironed and so on
2nd. Thursday. The wind blows considerable hard
and rain snows some this evening. It is Thanksgiving
day with us it stops here to day Grandfather and
Grandmother and Malcome here Malcome and I
went up to sining The boys went also after sining
school we went over to Denis Dow’s and staid
and had a very good time
3rd Friday. snows. There is a meeting to night
but I can’t go. I received a letter from Hannah
Bradford a good letter it was to
4th Saturday some cloudy. Ephraim is sick
to day
5th. Sunday. The wind blows very hard a bad day
to be out. There is a meeting up east but I cannot
go this has been a very long day to me I am lonesome
6th Monday. pleasant as you please. I have a severe
cold and I have not washed to day. This evening seems
as long as a day.
7th. Tuesday. not so pleasant and to day The wind blows
hard again this afternoon and evening. We have been to
sining school this evening. Malcome came over after
singing school with Sabra I received a paper from Polly
8. Wednesday. The wind blows some to day. We went
up and made our cousins Jaims and Theresa visit [this evening]
9th. Thursday. considerable pleasant. I am sick to
day I don’t know whether it is my cold or what ails
me I am better to night so I went over to
meeting we had a first-rate meeting there was
only half a dozen of us. The women prayed as well
as the men and we had a good time Mother and
Ephraim thought I was foolish for going but
they don’t know how much good it done my soul
10th. Friday. some cloudy and cold. I have been to the [Centre to ****]
11th. Saturday. pleasant. Ephraim and I been to singing
12th. Sunday. very pleasant. I have staid at home
all day
13th. does not storm a great deal but the wind
blows hard very hard part of the evening the
There was a meeting down to our school house
Mr Townsin preached I went and I thought
it would all most blow me away had a very
good meeting text Psalms 7th 1st 2nd and 3rd
I believe.
14th. Tuesday. considerable pleasant through the day
Mr. Stevens called on us a little begar girl
came while he was here she is to be pitied
Though I don’t pity her as much as I ought to
I gave her a plate of victuals and a pair of
stockings They were not very good but were better
than hers. Malcome called and got some corn
15th. Wednesday. rains and snows The snow is most
gone. We have stormy days in our minds
as stormy as weather at least I do I have
not to day as I know of for I generally fell
pretty well I believe though I have the blues
some I wish I enjoyed more of the love of God
and my Saviour.
16. Thursday. pleasant. Mr Brown is here to work for
Ephraim. I walked up to singing school this evening,
M brought me back
17th Friday. very pleasant. Mr. Brown went home
to night we went to singing school
18th. Saturday. pleasant. I have been very all day
The boys gone down to the village. Horace and wife
here this evening
19th. Sunday. very pleasant and cold. Ephraim and I
been to Jacksonville to meeting Mr. McGloflin
preached text in the forenoon was 2nd Cor 8th 9th
20. Monday. pleasant. Mr Brown here again to
day. I have washed and baked I am tired to night
21st Tuesday some snowy. Nelson Celia Harriett
Laura and Esther were here this evening had a good [visit]
22. Wednesday. windy and stormy.
23. Thursday. considerable pleasant. I have been over
to prayer meeting had a very good one
24. Friday. pleasant. Ephraim went has been [ went]to Bakersfield
yester M came down here this afternoon I went
to sining school with him
25. Saturday. pleasant. been to sining school
this evening Louisa came home with us
26. Sunday. very pleasant Ephraim Louisa & I
went up to meeting this evening Mr Townsend [preached]
27. Monday. windy and stormy. Mr. Allen died
Friday night and is burried to day it was so
bad we did not attend. I received a letter from
Polly to day. There is a Meeting to our school house
this evening Ephraim has been
28. Tuesday. windy and bad this forenoon pleasant
This afternoon Ehraim and I have been to jacksonville
this forenoon. I traded ’84 ½ cts. We have been over to B Fars
29. Wednesday. considerable pleasant.
30. Thursday. pleasant. M came here before and
after singing school. Ephraim and I
been to singing school. M gave Mother a
New Years present a book
31st. Friday. a dreadful day the wind blows
dredful to tell it blew so hard last night
that it tore a sheet into two pieces all
but a mitt on one end and a tablecloth
char in two zigzag. We got ready to go to
singing school but H & L Mrs Wyman
came so we did not go
New years pleasant considering the
storm we had yesterday E and I got
ready to go to singing school Mr and Mrs
Wyman came and we did not
dark and must stop.
January 1859
2nd. considerable pleasant Ephraim and I have
been up to Meeting this afternoon Elder
Buzzell preached from Sam 1st T2th
Another year is past and gone and with
it its trouble and trials as well as joys
it is so dark that I must close but I
would like to write more but cant never
This is the first New year that I have pretended
to serve the Lord I hope and pray that I may be a
faithful follower of Christ and serve him better
than I ever have. I am so wicked and sinful
I am afriad I never shall get to Heaven
I certainly never should if God should
punish me as I deserve to be but he is
a God of great mercy “And his mercy
endureth forever” and I hope he will have
mercy on me and save me This evening has seemed long to me so I
got some paper and wrote a letter to Polly
I knew that it was not right but the
time seemed so long I did do so
3rd. Monday . pleasant. I have washed
4th. snows part of the day and quite hard this
evening. I watched with Charlotte last night
she is horibly sick. I stood and faned her towards
an hour and it is quite cold no fire in the room
I should think she would think it was high
time to make her peace with God.
Mr. Hamlet is at work for Ephraim
we have been to singing school this evening
5th. snowy. C Wilburn wife and the Teacher here this eve
6th Thursday. pleasant. Ephraim and his man
have been to jacksonville I have been over
to prayer meeting. we did not have as good a
prayer meeting as we do sometimes
6. Friday. The wind blows considerable hard it is
warmer so that it rains and thawing considerable
8 7th. Saturday. pleasant and very cold Ephraim found
some little pigs this morning I guess they will all
freezze to death. There was seven now there is only
four We have been to singing school
Ephraims hired man has got through went
home at noon he has work ever since Monday
Elisa Smith and Miss Dow came to see us
this afternoon
9th Sunday pleasant and cold
10th. Monday. pleasant. I have washed
& is the coldest day I ever experienced old people
say the same
11th. Tuesday. pleasant and cold not as cold
as it was yesterday. We have been up to Uncle
Snell’s he is quite comfortable for him to day
I came down to Mr Browns and staid
till singing school
12th Wednesday. pleasant I feel rather discouraged
and downhearted. I don’t know but still I
wish I was rich so I could have a home of
my own and money to do as I pleased with
13th. Thursday. stormy and the wind blows some
I called in to Mrs Wymans and traded a little
I have been over to prayer meeting this evening
14th Friday. pleasant and warm
We went over to Grandfathers but they were
all ready to go up to uncle Snell’s so Ephraim
left us to Mr Nichols’es had a good visit
Luthera and I went down to the poor farm
I saw persons to be pitied I hope I shall never have
to go to the poor House if I do I hope it will
before another fall I went to singing school to night
E went and watched with uncle Snell I walked from
******* *******
15. Saturday. The wind blows some and warm
the snow is most gone I have moped baked and
Ironed and all so on
[rather stormy it snows]
16. Sunday. very pleasant indeed. Ephraim and I been
up to Meeting This evening. Elder McGloflin is sick
so we had a prayer Meeting not as much interes