1894

DIARY OF IRENE DIXON BAMFORD FOR 1894

January 18 th 1894: Thursday

Arose very early this morning. Wells, Volty and Grace going to Kingston. Ground bare no snow. So drive with sleigh across by Mike O’Briens and so back by John O’Briens and take the ice to Kingston. So far this winter the ice is poor. They drove back on the ice all the way home. Will and Jen gone to the Wedding. Annie Gillespie and Charles Ferming married today. Will brought the four youngsters over here while they are gone to Howe Island. Clara Woodman died this A.M. at 11:00 O’Clock. Wells, Volty and Grace came home quite early before dark drove all the way home on the ice. Grace frightened ice so badly cracked. They done very well with the marketing, turkeys and butter. Wells bought me a clothes basket and 59 yards factory unbleached and 7 yds toweling, onions, Volty left his rubbers and new pair of pants for Mart in town.

January 19 th 1894: Friday

A very fine day. Wind north. Wells went down to Wellingtons to get sleigh bolts made and stayed to dinner. Mr. And Mrs. Eben Joslin there since Saturday they have had the grippe Wellie came up awhile. Will and Jen came home from the Wedding Will came over for the children and they didn’t want to go home. Will said the wedding was a dull affair.(NOTE: to be dull they couldn’t have had as much music and dancing for him...T.Moye) Voltie ( Sometimes she spells his name Volty and other times Voltie...T.Moye) went down to the wake at Will Woodman’s and did not come home til 10:00 O’clock A.M. the next day. Mary Woodman and Ed Bates, & Sarah Gillespie there and Wallie Niles. Ed and Grace out skating at eve.

January 20 th 1894: Saturday

Sun shining out clear. Clara Woodman buried today. Afternoon Wells went over the river to see Van and found him much better. A great time for ice boating and skating. Grace, Maud, Voltie, and Martin out all P.M. towards eve the wind spings up from south east and blows a hurricane. The skaters fly before the wind. Mart ride back on the ice boat with Frank Woodman.. Don’t get out much this winter, too dull. Ed Bates here in evening. (Clara Woodman Died Jan 18,1894 and Buried March 21,1894 Daughter of W.H. and Elizabeth Woodman age 12 years 1 month and 18 days. Another stone in Cem. Reads age 12 years 10 months. When she says buried today must mean laid in Vault for spring burial .....T.Moye)

January 21st 1894: Sunday

Wind S.E. blowing a gale and raining hard. Ground bare. Not any snow for a long time. A very bad winter so far. Ice badly cracked. Sunday P.M. clear up and a very fine day. No called on us today not even Wellie. Wells, Voltie and Mart are sitting side by side in a row with elbows on their knees reading. Wells the Whig, Voltie the news and Mart the Yankee Blade.

January 22 nd 1894:Monday

A very fine day. Wind west not very cold. Charley Woodman, McNeely and Voltie go to Mullins Bay on Wellie’s ice boat went at 11:00 O’clock A.M. going to be gone one hour but gone til half past three. Then Voltie goes to help Wellie run sturgeon net at foot of Island and got a sturgeon. Grace and E. Bates out skating in evening Mart skating too.Maud commenced going to school this morning. Till Niles here in evening to get subscrtions for newspaper. Started to go home but came back again with Grace and stayed til half past 9:00 O’clock P.M. Voltie goes home with her after they all have played and danced 2 hours. No snow - ground bare. Will gone again on his commission to Howe Island. Grace down big washing.

January 23 rd 1894: Tuesday

A very fine day like spring no snow on land or ice. Wells and Welly gone to Kingston on the ice. Maud gone to school. Voltie and Mart went to Linda’s Isle for setting up wood. Voltie came back stopped and chopped some wood for Eveline. After dinner drew straw for stack, then Voltie helped churn and went with Frank Woodman to draw a load of wood for Charley Woodman has gone for the doctor for his father who has got the grip. Grace finished her waist for the ball. Grace went to post a letter to Montreal and found the McNeeleys just starting for home. Wells and Wells Jr. Came home at 7 P.M. Henry Holliday here in evening and went skating with Till Niles. All the rest of the youngsters at Breaky’s Bay.

January 25 th 1894 : Thursday

Voltie came downstairs this morning singing “After the ball is over” A still bright clear morning . Wind north ground bare and frozen. Ice glittering in the sunlight. Wellie, Voltie,Mart and Wells Sr. Went to Linda’s Island for wood found the ice good for a double team and heavy load drew one load for Wellie. After dinner Grace go to get subscribers for the Ladies World but got none. Went to C. Woodmans, O’Briens, Barrys, after supper she went to Mrs. Niles to make an evening call. Voltie went with Will & Frank Woodman to Mullins Bay on ice boat for oil Had to push the boat most of the way over and back again. About 8 George Morgan Jr. Came home with Voltie and stayed till 10 O’clock.

January 26 th 1894: Friday

Sun rose clear but soon grows cloudy a very cold morning wind East. Voltie , Mart, and Wells Sr. Drew wood from the Isle ( Linda’s Island) Wellie went to grapple for his sturgeon net. Ground bare and hard frozen with the furrows and hollows filled with ice.The weather clouds and air threatens snow and we have had none this winter hope we will get good sleighing for we have had none this winter. Wells is just saying that before long the roads will be full of snow that it will be hard to get through the snow.

January 27 th 1894: Saturday

A fine day. Wind south east Very pleasant about an inch of snow on ground and ice. Wellie, Voltie, and Mart drawing the strawstack in the barn. All A.M. Wellie stayed to dinner made Eveline a lemon cake. After dinner Voltie went to O’Brien’s to get the horse shod. O’Brien not at home gone visiting up the Isle. Mart went to help. Wellie pull sturgeon net. Wells Sr. Making a lounge from an old bed stead. I mended clothes and ironed patch work pieces. Grace cleaned floors, etc.

January 28 th 1894: Sunday

A quiet half cloudy day not very cold. No one here except Will called about a sick calf been hooked. Voltie and Grace spent the day at Wellie’s. Had a pleasant time and in evening went to church. Maud going too E. Bates piloted Will Allen and wife across to the American shore, they are going to visit their relatives and friends the sabbath day comes gently to a close and all is well.

January 29 th 1894: Monday

A mild cloudy day looks like rain or snow. Wind south. Voltie went to James O’Brien to get the horses shod came home just in time for dinner. Wells Jr. Got one sturgeon and pulled out the net. All snarled and full of weeds. Heard this day something terrible. Why should I write in this diary that Carbet had killed Mitchell in a prize fight. Snow begins falling fast. Heavy fall of snow from the north east. Grace and Voltie instead going to Kingston tomorrow and stop at Marysville to the Ball tomorrow eve. Grace and I dressed three turkeys for market. Mart commenced going to school this morning. Voltie drove to school house through the storm for Maud.

January 30 th 1894: Tuesday

Snow piled up very deep this morning. Voltie wallowed through the snow this morning to the river for a pail of water. Snow above his knees and still snowing fast and steady. So once more the Marysville Ball a failure and dissapointment but Voltie and Grace do not care. Maud will have to stay home from school today. And the turkeys will have to lay in the market basket till the storm is over and the roads are plowed. Till Niles has a quilting party this P.M. Voltie drove with Grace to the quilting this party is in honor of Tills birthday. Well after Voltie got back from the quilting. We heard Will Gillespies child is dead. So they have no evening party. J. Niles. Jim O’Brien went for the mail and staid to the ball.( Note: George A. Gillespie Died Jan. 29,1894 and was buried March 21,1894.Two years old. Son of William and C. Alvira (Nee: Woodman) Gillespie....T.Moye)

January 31st 1894: Wednesday

A fine bright day, rather cold wind west. Wellie came up to pull the fish net and drew hay and then drove to foot to get fish and I go down to Eveline’s on the sleigh and stayed all day. Wellie got 2 sturgeons from the lower nets. Snow on the ice is very deep as well as every where else. In the evening Voltie, Grace and Martin go to Mission meeting. Voltie goes home with Till. Mart come home very noisy and smoking around the rooms before he goes to bed. Ratling the stove and talking loud waking everyone that is sleeping. Maude and Mart went to school this morning.

February 1st 1894: Thursday

A very pleasant day. Still, no wind but cloudy around the horizon. Voltie and Grace gone to Kingston in cutter Will came early, but went up with J. Niles. Wells Sr. Carried Mart and Maude to school on sleigh. Wells Jr. Came to his upper nets but no fish. Wellie brought me a sturgeon cooked some for dinner. Wellie drew two loads of wood for himself. I caught a slight cold and do not feel very well today. Voltie and Grace carried up the last turkeys today . I have a very quiet peaceful day. Wells working in barn making a door for the back stable went with team for Maud and Mart but met them by the concession School very noisy and disorderly. Voltie and Grace came just in the edge of the evening. After supper M (Mart ?) Went to stay with Jen. An altercation this morning between W. V. S. Will and Voltie concerning the humorous procluraties of his Reverence. Mr. White. ???

February 2 nd 1894: Friday

This morning the sun rose clear in a cloudless sky a light frosty mist hangs over the landscape. The clear whiteness of snow is everywhere covering up and hiding every shurb, stone and deeply drifted in some places. This is the anniversary of my wedding day. 34 years married. It seems a thousand years ago. Wells, Wellie and Voltie and Mart gone to Linda’s (Island) for wood. And a barn frame, fence post, and worked at the business all day. Grace done big washing and hung the clothes on the line. Wellie sent his sturgeon up on the sleigh and came up in the evening and took the bells off. Welly and Wells are going to Kingston tomorrow. Voltie and Grace intended going to the singing practice at W.G. W.(Woodman’s) but so late when they got through with their work concluded to stay home. Voltie went for mail. Weather looks very much like a storm. The bear could see his shadow this day.

February 3 rd 1894: Saturday

A quiet morning. Sky very much over cast with clouds threatening snow. Rose early ate breakfast by lamplight. Wellie came and Wells and Wellie gone to the city by the Island roads. River roads are filled with snow. Mart and Voltie drove down to Wellie’s nets and captured 6 sturgeon. A very good haul indeed Wells and his father came home at 8 P.M. found the roads badly drifted. George and Wallace Niles here in evening and after supper Voltie ,Mart and the Niles boys went over to Wills to play cards stayed till eleven O’clock. Wellie drew his merchandise down on Mauds sled.

February 4 th 1894: Sunday

A fine quiet day. Service held 3 times in church today. Quarterly meeting, service conducted by Rev. Barrett assisted by Rev. White. Grace attended service 3 times and after evening service went home with Mary and William the ministers going ,too. Wells read Scotts poem “Lord of the Isle” cold - wind North.

February 5 th 1894 : Monday

A fine day but a very cold wind north. Wellie, Voltie and Wells drew 2 logs for barn frame from Linda’s (Island) Then Grace came down from Williams with Will and the ministers. Then Voltie and Grace start for the villiage at 3 O’clock. Going to the ball. Mart at school. Maude at home. Dick Brown came to Will Dixons home from Gananoque.

February 6 th 1894: Tuesday

A fine day. Wind south. Voltie and Grace came home early this morning in time for breakfast. Had a fine time at the ball. They went to bed and slept till nearly 3 O’clock P.M. Wells drove to Millens Bay for kerosene found the roads difficult to travel. Will and Dick here grinding axes. Wellie here running net got none. Gave him sweet milk and sour cream. A dance at Eben Joslins. George and Till Niles, Maud and Mart went to school today.

February 7 th 1894: Wednesday

A very fine day. But the wind blowing from south. Ash Wednesday today. Lent begins and so does fasting for 40 days. Maud and Mart go to school. Maud started to walk but Voltie hitched up the team and caught up with her before she got to the church. Walking very bad for children. Voltie and Wells drew 4 logs from Linda’s (Island) this afternoon.

February 8 th 1894: Thursday

A mild cloudy day. Thawing ground bare in a few spots. Rained some in the night. Wells went to Kingston with double team. Mart and Maude went to school. Voltie drove to school house. Welly came up and took team and drew wood for himself. Then Wellie and Voltie went to Ed Rattrays chopping bee. Mart came home at noon to do the chores.Maud after lingering along the road. Walking from school with both feet wet. Buttons all torn from her apron and Mart had slapped her face in school for making faces at him. Mart chewing tobacco and whitling desk.

February 9 th 1894: Friday

A cold morning. Wind north beginning to snow. At 10 A.M. snowing thick and fast all day. Voltie and Mart brought water for Grace to wash. Grace done big washing as usual, but stormed so hard could not hang them on line so left them in the tub. Voltie and Wells Jr.( Wells Jr, Welly & Wellie are the same person. William Wells Bamford Jr. Also written as Wells William) drew wood for Wellie.and then drew hay from the stack. Mart went to school. Grace and Voltie were going to Niles to practice singing but as they were getting ready Wallace and George came in with their coats covered with snow. And said there would no one meet there to sing this evening. So they stayed home and Wallace went to Mr. Woodmans for the mail while Voltie and George played poker. Will came over awhile after dinner and Voltie and Will cleaned the organ.

February 10 th 1894: Saturday

Raining morning. Wind south blowing hard. Afternoon snow and freezing. Will here in the morning. Prepared to go on the potatoe mission. But Woodman went and left him because he did not drive the ice. Wells finished the lounge. Voltie reeled carpet rags. Grace sick all day. Caught cold yesterday I mopped floors and done all the Saturdays work. Snow soft ice covered with water. Voltie in the evening went on horseback to Mr. Niles to buy tobacco of Wallace and came back at ½ past nine P.M. Mart went for the mail this morning a letterfrom Johnny one from Rachel.

February 11th 1894: Sunday

Wind west and cold cloudy but clearing up at 10 A.M. sun shining but clear. Would like to go to Belles but cold and going very bad. Frank Bamford skated over and brought Wells a letter from Clayton. Wallace Niles and Mart over the river to old Hides Bay for tobacco. Dick Brown came over a while, Ed Bates here in evening.

February 12 th 1894: Monday

A very cold morning but Will and Ed Bates drove up the ice to Kingston. Ed gone out with a load of clothes bars to peddle Will going to help him. And then going on his own business. It keeps growing colderand thickening up for a storm. At 3 O’clock P.M. a terrible snow storm from the north with wind and cold very cold. I don’t think Ed Bates will come home this night nor Mr. J.Niles and George Niles. They went up to town this morning. Mart went to school and came home with a black eye. The school is bad as ever. Wells oiling harness in the kitchen. Wellie drew a load of wood. The doctor over to see Sam and Al Joslin.

February 13 th 1894: Tuesday

A terrible storm of wind and snow from the north none so bad for a number of years. So Wells says and so very cold. The storm with snow howled all night. Drifts piled up everywhere. Don’t know as Ed Bates came home or not. Don’t know as J Niles and George came home or not. Don’t think O’Brien can go for the mail today. Mart and Voltie carried water to the horses and the cows out only long enough to drink. Wells oiling harness in kitchen and Mart and Voltie studying arithmetic all day. No one here today milder towards evening but frezzing hard.

February 14 th 1894: Wednesday

A beautiful fine day. Just cold enough to freeze a little. Wellington drove to Kingston. Wellie came up and brought the chair tidy. Wellie got 2 sturgeon from the nets. Wellie and Voltie are going to Kingston tomorrow with hay if it is a fine day. Wells Sr. Finished oiling the harness and Maud went out and got stuck in a snow bank. Voltie and Mart drew 4 loads of hay from the stack then Mart went down to help Wellie saw wood. Voltie went to the lecturing 2/2 of 1/3 = 1/6 avent courtship and marriage delivered by Rev. Mr. White at our Methodist church.

February 15 th 1894: Thursday

A snowy day freezing north. Voltie and Mart studying arithmetic all day. Mart in reduction and Voltie in complex fractions. Wells making sleigh. I am mending shirts. Grace crocheting a spool bag and Maud does as she likes. The day and evening passes away very pleasantly as usual the storm prevented going to the city as Wells and Voltie had intended.

February 16 th 1894: Friday

A fine clear cold day. Wind north Voltie decorated the sleigh by his fathers request. Wellie came for the sled to draw wood from the swale. And Mart helped him. After dinner Voltie ,Wells Jr. And Wells Sr. Went over river to the Island for wood. Wells going to Linda’s (Island). Grace mening a dress for herself. I washed and ironed somethings. Voltie came back and then drove over in cutter for his father. Wallace Niles came in evening and he and Mart started to go over to Jen’s to play cards.but went to Burnhams instead. Dick came and brought over mail. A letter from Nellie Guy one from Harry W. And one from George Kirkpatricks office.

February 17 th 1894: Saturday

(Written by Grace..T.Moye) A bright morning boys gone to Kingston with hay. The wind blows from the east and blustry. I colored Mauds dress and dried and ironed it. And done baking Grace cleaned upstairs and cleans downstairs. Mama helped a little Pa and Martin working out doors. Boys came home from city at seven brought Will, Allie and Will Dixon with them.

February 18 th 1894: Sunday

Rained all night but cleared away nicely. Wind blowing hard from south. Voltie, Maud and Mama gone to Belles. Mart going to Niles. Pa and Grace at home alone. Wellie came up and Will Allen went down to Smiths with him. He says he has a head on him as large as our cheese box this morning. Wallace Niles came down for Martin to go home with him. Wallace stayed for dinner up there then he came home and W came with him and helped do chores then the two went over to Will Dixons.

February 19 th 1894: Monday

Wind south west a very pleasant day. The boys and Capt. Drew wood from the isle. Martin gone to school Maud and Grace done housework and Grace cut carpet rags. Will Dixon here for Violin and songbook. Voltie and W gone to the fish nets. The beggars gone down the ice to night.

February 20 th 1894: Tuesday

Quite a pleasant day. Wind blowing south. Blustered some this morning. Well Sr. Gone to Clayton, New York. Wells Jr. And Voltie are over at the Island (Linda’s Island) Martin at school. Maud and Grace alone today. We finished sewing our carpet rags. That was cut yesterday. W.G. Woodman and Family went to Watertown, New York today. Charlie Woodman went for Dr. Yesterday for his father. The boys intended going to Kingston today with hay. Wind blew too hard.

February 21st 1894: Wednesday

A very pleasant day. Wellie gone to Kingston with hay. Will Dixon went with him. Martin gone to school. Voltie and R. Drawing hay and done other little add work in the evening. Voltie drove Grace and M. To Mrs. Niles to spend the eve. Found G. And Till gone to Joslins.

February 22 nd 1894:Thursday

A very stormy day. Wind south west. Too stormy to draw hay to Kingston. A dance tonight at A. Percy’s. Charlie Woodman here. Martin gone to school. Voltie mended bobs to draw hay on. Cleared away towards night. Voltie and Grace went to the dance had a fine time got home at 3:00 O’clock in the morning, slept until 5:00.

February 23 rd 1894: Friday

A very fine day. Very cold. Wells Jr. And Capt (probably referring to Wells Sr. Who was a Great Lakes Captain when he was younger and later on in life....T.Moye) went to Kingston with hay. We had breakfast at 6:00 O’clock. The work all done up at 7:00. Martin stayed at home from school. Grace went to bed after dinner awhile, Voltie was “snoozing” the assoror came. Will Faucet (Fawcett).

February 24th 1894: Saturday

Another cold day. Wells Jr. And Martin gone to the city. Capt. Gone to Clayton. Grace, Maud and Voltie at home alone. Grace did housework. Maud is grunting around with a sore throat. Pa came home early from Clayton his hands nearly froze. Wells and Martin home from Kingston early. W.D. came with them. I think the wind is south west. Grace baked beans.

February 25 th 1894: Sunday

A very good day. Wind south sun shines but clear. Aunt Rachel and Norman Petrie came here from Lafargeville.(In Jefferson Co. New York...T.Moye) Norman stayed here to dinner. Aunt Rachel went to Will’s for dinner, then came back here for a short while. After dinner George Morgan and Florence came and stayed for tea, and spent the evening. No service today. Wells Jr. Out ice boating. Ma is yet at Belles.

February 26 th 1894: Monday

A cold day Wind north. I came home from Belles today. Charlie drove with Irene and I arriving at the school house for Margarette ( My grandmother Margaret Halliday Vincent) and Beatrice. Found Grace washing . I washed all the socks and stockings. Wellie and Voltie gone to Ganonque to mill. The boys came home early Mart at school. Evening visitors George, Till and Wallace( Niles).

February 27 th 1894: Tuesday

Wind south west. A very fine day. Wellie and Wells went to Kingston with hay. Wall went up with cutter to see (Suie) the horse Doctor for the black mares eye. Which was cut on the neck yoke while loading hay at the barn came home at ½ past 6:00 P.M. This is the 6 th load of hay up to date. Wells bought Grace and I each a print dress. 64 yards unbleached cotton. 2 new blankets and 8 yards towling, a pair of pants for himself. Will and Voltie hitched up old Jim and went to look for Wellies dog. They went to Millens Bay but could get no trace of the dog. Evening time Frank Woodman brought down one of their horses and hitched up to Volties cutter and they went to river view to a donation held at the hotel for Rev. Stronger and came home at 12:00 O’clock midnight traveling on ice fine.

February 28 th 1894: Wednesday

And last day of February 1894. A fine day. Wind south west. Wellie gone again to city with hay(hogs). Wells working in the shop at something. A man from Ganonque called to sell a harness Did not buy. Voltie went towards evening to Wellies to cut Eveline some wood. Came up home and brought with him Hiriam Davis and son and Derush. They had been to Clayton to the races. Went down on an ice boat but no wind coming up so they pushed the boat as far as here and stopped here to supper. Felt better and walked home 7 miles. Voltie went up by Niles to help Wallie across the big crack. Rose up like a mountain. Mart at school.

March 1st 1894: Thursday

A fine clear day. Warm, snow melting, wind south. Wells and Voltie drew a big (Maple ) log from Linda’s (Island) then went to Clayton to the races. Wellie and Mart drew hay from the old barn Will mowed away one load of hay. Then Will and Wellie hitched up before the other cutter and drove to William G. Woodman’s for his dog, which was at their door Tuesday morning. But Voltie had advertised in the Clayton paper today. I sick most all day with indigestion. Eugene Dixon here to stay all night. Tis the first time he has been here for years. Mart stayed home. Norman Petrie lost his suit with Jess Reid. Wellie caught a sturgeon.

March 2 nd 1894: Friday

Wind south but very still air warm like a spring morning. Cloudy with a sprinkling of rain snow soft and fast disappearing. Wellie can’t draw hay. I think this rain will cause a general break up and good sleighing and cold weather. Did not rain much, but warm and cloudy. Twould have been a good day to draw hay after all. Frank Woodman and Voltie gone to Clayton races again today. Sammy furnishing the horse and Voltie furnishing the cutter robes and whip. I am trying to churn a little butter. Grace sewing on her calico dress. Maud and Irene making a noise. Eugene Dixon gone to Wills for dinner. Mart gone to school. Eugene came back and waited til evening for Voltie and Grace to go to W. W. Woodmans. To an oyster party given by the chosen friends. Stayed all night till 5:00 O’clock in the morning.

March 3 rd 1894: Saturday

A beautiful day. Wind south a very calm and warm. Snow fast dispearing. Mart and Voltie finish shingling the machine house. Grace feels rather disapaited after last night debauch. Though she slept til 9:00 A.M. I did not call her up. Wellie intended going to Kingston with hay. But the roads are all slush and Wellie so sick with a cold. Wells making a small table for me. Milly (or Willy) came down to get Mart to go to Mr. Samy’s to help Sam do the chores for Frank is not very well though he is not very ailing. I think he is only sleepy after eating so many oysters last night which Frank and _____ ate a milk pan full. Wellie came up after dinner and I doctored him with Fowlers extract of Wild Strawberrys. Charley Woodman gone to Glen Burnie for his wife. Mart stays all night at Woodmans.

March 4 th 1894: Sunday

A warm cloudless sky. Light wind south the heavy snow banks dissolving and setling away. 5 ice boats ouy here on the ice. Wellie’s, Charley Kendalls, Livingstons, Niles, and the Davis boat. Wellie , Voltie and Grace out riding on Kendalls ice boat. Mart came home at 11:00 A.M. and has gone to church. M didn’t like it at Woodmans had to clean all the stables after 30 cows and 9 horses. Said the stables looked as if they had not been shovelled out in 3 weeks. Capt. Allen and wife and Winnie Smith have come to Smiths and I sit here in the warm sun light by the south windows of the dinning room and almost asleep all alone. Grace, Maud and Irene in the little room cracking hickory nuts, Wellie gone home. Wells Sr. And Voltie out to the barn. Mart at church and I lazily sit looking out of the window watching Dick Brown coming over the ice, til he arrives near shore and is confronted by a hugh crack of bilged ice which is hove up 10 to 12 feet high and I go to door and tell him where to come ashore. Will here and says someone has killed his dog Joe. Will found him along side the road just below our bars but in all probability Sams and J. Niles’s dogs killed Joe dog. Well the day is past and a peaceful Sabbath evening is closing with a beautiful warm sunset.

March 5 th 1894: Monday

A cloudy damp morning wind south raining a little. No going to Kingston this day. Mart at school through the mud. Wells finished my table he has been making which is very nice and I am pleased with it. Grace made Maud a night dress. Welly brought me a piece of sturgeon and I gave him pork. Will here and I gave him a piece of the fish.( Welly brought me ....was repeated here but I think it was a mistake in her writing ........T.Moye) and Wells Jr. And Voltie gave Will some potatoes. I patched Wells Sr. Pants and sewed on my log cabin quilt. Mart at J. Niles this evening. Frank Woodman here this evening. Mart came at 11:00 O’Clock P.M. He and Wall Niles walked through the mud to Hennesy’s to play cards. I’ll make no comments there on.

March 6 th 1894:Tuesday

Time marches on and never stops seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, Centuries roll on for ever on into eternity. Life and all creation is a profound mystery. Only death can lift the mystery’s veil. A fine very warm day. Wind south ground nearly bare. Smiths ice house. Ed Bates and Welly filling the ice house for Uncle Smith Grace done a big washing. I brought set in my new table Wells made me and find it just the thing. Another dog fight between here and Same Niles big brute and Sams 2 dogs and another little dog, Niles dogs shaking the life out of the little one. Spaff Joy is making maple sap. Wellie came up and brought Graces clothes bars. Ed Bates had made. A lecture from Rev. White this evening at the church up courtship and marriage. Voltie, Grace and Mart went. Ed Bates came and went too. But soon returned for no lecture was there through there were many that came out through the mud.

March 7 th 1894: Wednesday

Day by day the fields grow more bare and muddy. Last night the wind blew a gale from the south and the rain fell in torrents. The weather appeared a little colder this morning but prove to be only a hope that it might be colder. Wellie, Mart and Voltie getting out ice and filling the ice house. I am not very well. Grace is ironing. Weie went to Mr. Niles to buy a few apples and Mr. Niles gave him a bag full. Wellie gave me some. Cloudy weather. I go to sleep while writing this diary. Ebe Joslin got in ice all over out in the channel while going from the Island home.

March 8 th 1894: Thursday

11:00 O’clock P.M. and later. Voltie at the barn so Mart says. I have just been up stairs to ask him if he knows where Volty is. The Niles children here and Frank Woodman this evening Mart, George, Wall and Frank played cards in kitchen. Voltie and the girls in the parlour with Maud and Irene too. A very fine warm day snow nearly gone. Ice very poor. Mart went to the Bay for tobacco. Will went too for oil. Laura Smith sick abed. Eveline there all day. Wellie at home taking care of the children. Grace went down and stayed awhile this afternoon and going tomorrow. Wells , Voltie and Wellie hauled timber for the new barn. John Nesbit got in the ice ½ past 11:00. Voltie says there’s a new calf at the barn the first one. No one going anywhere unless absolute and necessity compel the roads and ice almost impossible. Eddy Bates went across to his summer work at Putmans afraid there would soon be no crossing or would not have gone so soon.

March 9 th 1894: Friday

Another quiet still warm day. Cloudy and hazy. Welly, Will and Voltie and Mart are tearing off the old shingles from the roof. The ground around the house is covered with falling shingles and now they are nailing on the new ones. Grace gone to Bills to help Laura, Eveline and Muriel and Hubert there too. Then Till Niles came and brought me a dozen of new laid eggs and some apples and some wool pieces for my log cabin quilt with which I am very much pleased and away she goes to Lauras ,too. Well I am sure now Laura will get well with so much help. This morning George Niles walked with Sadie across the river says the ice is very poor and with difficulty picked their way across. Wells says this weather knocks him entirely out. Well Grace and Till came just at dark. So Voltie goes home with Till and stays till 10:00 O’clock P.M. Voltie says Morgans young folks were there, ie George, Mable and Kemp. The fire dead in the coal stove. Wells in trying to arouse it to life shook the very life out of it.

March 10 th 1894: Saturday

A beautiful day. Warm as June or May. The ice is too poorfor a footman to walk on. Grace not very well went to bed awhile. I am so lame I can scarcely walk around the house. Wellie, Voltie, Wells and Mart shingling the north side of the house. Will is tapping Sams sugar bush Charley here to borrow pans for sap. And brought me some sour Krout. Till Niles stopped here on her way to Uncle Smiths gave Wellie his mail and wind blowing at 9 O’clock and rising.

March 11th 1894: Sunday

All night the wind blowing strong from the south and still blowing fiercely. Cloudy and sprinkling rain at 9 O’clock A.M. the time I am writing. The ice looks queer and spotted. Channel ice driven together and slowly breaking up. Gulls are flying in from the lake barometer falling. Grace not very well, gone to bed. Voltie lying down on lounge. Wells and Mart reading Maud and Irene playing and making a noise. After dinner clears up sun brightly shining blowing some. Channel open ice floating. Wallace Niles came down for Mart to go to Sam’s barn to play tag with Frank. Grace yet a bed. Voltie reading Harpers Magazine. A little colder at evening time . Voltie gone to Wills to see the family and so ends another Sabbath day. I read Talmadges last sermon and Scottish Legends. Wells made a fire in the coal stove.

March 12 th 1894: Monday

A bright clear morning. West wind cool not cold. Ground bare of snow river channel open. Ice clear from opposite shore spring birds singing. Will going out today canvasing for apple trees and other shrubbery. Our men folks again shingling the roof. North side. At 10:00 O’clock Robert Percy came across the ice and river in a boat. Came for Wells something again about the Liddy place, more trouble I suppose. Wells going to Watertown ( Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York) Well, I’ll shall not trouble myself about it either way. I’m through and done worring about the Bamford business talent capabilities. 9:00 O’clock in the eve. A warm lovely night like May. I never before saw anything like it in March the young moon shining brightly. Laura Smith went to Mr. Niles to get Wallace to help do the chores for White has hoisted the piratecal flag and gone home. Laura called at our varandah and talked awhile. Said she must hurry for she had left Bill alone. Wells and R. Percy crossed the open river in a boat from Burnhams this morning.

March 13 th 1894: Tuesday

Prudence Joy very sick. A warm cloudy day wind north. Veering around to south at 3:00 O’clock P.M. Commenced raining. Voltie and Mart drew hay on wagon drew 4 loads from the old barn. Wellie came up for milk and went to Sams to post a letter. Will stopped here on his way to J. Niles. War declared all around between Will, Smith and White. The breach is widening and the feud progressing. Wells not home yet. “Ta Ra Ra boom de aye our old man has gone away you bet your boots he’s gone to stay.”

March 14 th 1894: Wednesday

Cleared up in the night. Milk can and tub full of water froze a little ice clear from this shore one water gone and not likley to come back again this year after breakfast. Mart went for the mail. Grace received a letter from Washington, D. C. T. Y. Edmonds. Wells came about 10:00 O’clock Reports all right made Eb and Helin (could have meant Helen) a visit and last night stayed with Mr. And Mrs. James Gloyd. Wellie and Voltie hewing timber. Wells fixing the milk wagon. Mart choring around and smokes his pipe about 6 times a day. And has now gone to Wills to look for chawing tobacco Grace too has gone to Wills or started to go this evening. Another calf at the barn which makes three this spring. Everything most used up. Pork, butter, groceries all gone. Never will starve though. Our hens broke loose today. 2 eggs in the hen coop. Wind west freezing.

March 15 th 1894: Thursday

Froze hard last night. Very still no wind. Freezing a little all day. Prudence Joy buried today. Wells, Grace and Mart went to the funeral. Will stopped here on his way home to Niles to buy potatoes. Bought 3 bushels. Voltie and Wellie hewed timber after dinner. I finished the blocks for the log cabin (quilt) Evening cloudy and cold.

March 16 th 1894: Friday

A cloudy cool morning clears up bright P.M. Wells ought to have gone to Marysville for groceries but put it off till tomorrow. He is going up on the milk wagon in the morning. Voltie went down to Wellies to hew but didn’t hew much. Wellie came for milk said Eveline had this morning been buying 2 lbs. Butter from Alvira B. Voltie and Mart drawing stone all P.M. Grace finish sewing blocks on the log cabin. I baked beans.

March 17 th 1894: Saturday

A soft quiet warm day. Wind south Wells and Will gone to Kingston for groceries. Went up on milkwagon Grace got Saturdays work done this A.M. and after dinner Grace and Irene walked down to Evelines and Maud went up to see Shell Niles. Frances Joy there visiting since early this morning. Voltie and Mart helping Wellie draw wood from Breakeys. Devro let Wellie have all the wood there is left from athe quarry for a $1.00 A very good bargan for Wells Jr. I am alone nearly all the P.M. Maud came at 4 O’clock. Voltie came home in time to do chores. Grace and Irene came at dark Mart came with them. Wells came soon after them. Voltie and Mart went over to Wills awhile when they came back they found another new calf at the barn.

March 18 th 1894: Sunday

A shower this morning from the south west with thunder cleared up about nine. A.M. sun came out bright and clear at ½ past nine A.M. and stayed till 4 P.M. Irene went home with them the little one has been here three weeks contented as if she had always lived here.(Irene was her grandaughter Irene Eliza (nee: Halliday) King who was 5 at the time B:July 9,1889 & D: Nov 6,1983. She was one of Belles daughters and the one to gather these diaries out of the dresser drawer for safe keeping...T.Moye)

March 19 th 1894:Monday

A fine day. Mart plowing on the lower place. Wells fixing the farm wagon. Voltie doing every chore. I washed carpet rags and washed Voltie’s frock and overalls and in the evening patched and darned. Will came over in the evening and brought his violin and Will and Voltie played in concert with violin and organ. Toward evening the pierpont went down by here and blew us a salute.

March 20 th 1894: Tuesday

A very fine day. Wind north last night froze hard enough to make good sap weather. Arose at three O’clock and get breakfast so Wells and Wells Jr. Can go to Kingston. Had to send Mart for Wellie and then Wellie went to Kingston without his breakfast arrived at the ferry too late for the pierpont. So five individuals hire an ice boat and cross to town and back again. Grace done a two week washing. Lines full and fluttering in the wind. Devolson (Voltie) gone to J. Niles for a calf. Going to exchange for a hide. Mart plowing. Jane Niles visiting at Will Dixon’s. Charley Dixon here twice, once to borrow a saw and again to borrow a loaf of bread . After chores are all done Mart goes for the saw and Jen sends home the loaf of bread which I had much rather she had kept. Wells and Wells Jr. Got home at 8:00 P.M. Voltie went for the mail a letter from Watson ans one from Laura Joslin. Grace went with the Niles to practice sining at W. G. Woodmans for the funeral tomorrow. Came home at half past 12 midnight.

March 21st 1894 : Wednesday

A cloudy day lowry raining hard at 10:00 A.M. This is the day 5 bodies are brought from the valt from Marysville and buried in our burying place. A sad and solemn sight. 5 graves dug at once for our neighbors children. George Michea, Clara Woodman, Little Georgie Gillespie, Mary Ann Watkins and little Laurence Kenny. Rev. Mr. White preached a very impressive sermon.Wells couldn’t find his shoe thread this morning and so got mad and swore and ripped and tore and made a regular ass of himself as usual. Oh the low despisable contemptable low mean coarseness of a dirty temper. It is insulting and abusive.

March 22 nd 1894 : Thursday

Froze some last night.Voltie plowing, Mart and Wells Jr. Drawing stone. Wells Sr. Tinkering at an old wagon. Maud piecing a quilt. Grace ironing. I am general doer of everything. Cloudy wind north and cold. Delia Kenny very sick Dr. Buchanan doctoring her. Smiths folks alone and not a boy to help them. Laura doing all the work indoors and out. Weather cold enough to snow. Think it will snow before long. Tis evening now. Dark night.

March 23 rd 1894: Friday

Quite cold rather cloudy wind north. Boys working with two teams down by Wellie’s plowing and drawing stone. Mart and Voltie did not come up until nearly dark just in time to do the chores. I commenced to fix Wells clothes and get things ready to go away.Wells went over the river and said Horace B. Is going Monday. Wells went to Gloyds for a stick for a wagon reach. Grace scrubbed the stairs and scoured the Boys room clean. Wells working away out in the shop. In the eve Grace and Martin went for the mail. A letter for Wells from Capt. Fitzsimmons saying Wells must go to Detroit next Wednesday. ( Note: Captain Bamfords boat was named The Raindeer.....T. Moye) Grace received a letter from Myo(?) Stracham saying ,Yes she would give her music lesson’s. I pieced for a quilt got 20 blocks finished.

March 24 th 1894: Saturday

A cool cloudy day wind south some ice still floating in the river. Wells gone again over the river to see about the liddy place. Voltie and Mart are plowing down by Wellies. I made beds ,swept and churned. Not a speck of snow anywheres. Grace mopping floors and helped get dinner. Wells came towards eve came over with Rattrays and Wellington Burnham. I don’t think he had very good success about his business. Seems very quiet and subdued about something Evening sets in cold and cloudy.

March 25 th 1894: Easter Sunday

A rather cold gray cloudy day. Wind north west ground frozen. So cold the Rev. Would not come from Marysville to preach. A quiet day no one here except Wellie. We had fried eggs for breakfast. 12... gave Wells Jr. 10 all I had. Wells not very cheerful. Grace gone to J. Niles to Easter. I read Talmadges and Dicks works and the bible. Grace came home at 8 P.M. an invitation for Grace and Voltie at W.G.Woodmans Tues. Evening. A sugar party.

March 26 th 1894: Monday

A cold frozen morning. Wells arose at 5:00 O’clock in the morning built a fire and took the oars which he had borrowed from J. Niles last night and went to Wells Jr. For the skiff and went over the river again this morning. Going to Clayton again to see L.L.D morse about the Liddy place again. I think he will be home before night if he comes today. For the wind blows and the air is freezing cold frost on the north window. Wells came in time for his supper. Says the Liddy busniess is all right and he has to leave home tomorrow morning for Chicago. Will and Charley here in the evening. Charley came over this afternoon and brought some syrup he said “ For Uncle Wells” which is a treat for us all.”

March 27 th 1894: Tuesday

Wells built a fire at 12 past 3 O’clock. Welly came and they got started at 5 O’clock for Kingston. Wells anxious to get the 8 O’clock boat. A clear bright frozen morning very quiet. Wells gave me a hundred dollars toward building the new barn. I took a nap in afternoon a sugar party at W. G. Woodmans. Grace and Voltie go with Frank Woodman. Jim Morgan here.

March 28 th 1894: Wednesday

A cold day wind north snow falling furiously for awhile. Ground white then sun comes out again and before night there is no snow. I called Voltie and G. D. B.(Grace Darling Bamford.) Up in time for breakfast. They came home at 3 A.M. came near staying all night. Welly here I gave him $20.00 to get lumber and grass seed and etc. Voltie working on a jumper. Mart drawing the banking from the house. Eveing visitors. Will Dixon, Jim Morgan, Frank Woodman. John Morgan went to Uncle Smiths.

March 29 th 1894: Thursday

This morning the ground covered with snow. About 4 inches deep. The Pierpont made her first trip to our Wharf arriving last night and laying there till this morning. Welly and Will Dixon and Laura Smith went up. Laura carried 50 lbs. Of butter to market. John Morgan stayed with Uncle Smith all day. Laura brought home with her a boy from the Orphans home.

March 30 th 1894: Friday

Snow all gone again. Wind south west blowing half a gale and chilly. Voltie went to Mr. Rattrays to borrow a seeder to sow grass seed. Dellia no better. Very little hopes of her recovery. Voltie sowing grass seed. Mart drawing manure from house banking. Grace done a big washing. I done cooking and churned the butter. Maud studying her lessons. Wellie working on Niles boat. Grace went to the post office. A letter from Johnny which is welcome indeed. John has moved on a farm and is very glad.(NOTE: No doubt the one just outside of Limerick, Jefferson Co. ,New York where he was a mail man......T.Moye) Evening visiters John Morgan, George Morgan, Mr. Kemp, and Will Dixon. John Morgan stays all night and ate breakfast with us. Bill Smith does not like the boy Laura brought from the city.

March 31st 1894: Saturday

The last day of the month. And the last day of the week. A windy day south wind looking like a storm. Rather warm. Wellie and Mart drawing manure. Voltie working at the jumper. Sam and Frank drove here for our boys to go to the snow place to Doctor a cow. Came for them just as dinner was ready and away they drove without coming in the house and gone over an hour. Grace and Mart discovered one of our cows stretched out on the ground and thought the cow was sick too. And away went Mart full run to the Snow farm for Wellie and Voltie and they came again in great haste gave the old cow a kick and up she got well enough. Having only lain down to rest and came in to their dinner like hungry bears. No one here this evening But they all went to church to hear Rev. Mr. White lecture on ghosts. Wellie, Voltie, Martin, and Maud and I am alone all evening reading. A dark rainy night and the church filled.

April 1st 1894: Sunday

A half sunshine half cloudy day. Wind blowing strongly from the west Grace and Mart go to ½ 10:00 O’clock service. Till Niles came home from church with Grace and stayed to dinner and the afternoon. Will here towards evening. Rachel came home after dark. Danford Dixon brought Mother and Rachel far as Sid Percy’s on Friday

April 2 nd 1894: Monday

I darn socks all day. A kind of a half pleasant day frost on the pantry window. Grace piecing on a quilt. Boys plowing ,wind north cold. Grace and Maud goes to Wills to see their grandmother and Rachel. Got sugar. I wrote to Johnny.

April 3 rd 1894: Tuesday

Wellie and Volty plowing on the grange down by the corner in A. M. hewed timber had dinner at Wellie's cooked a rooster.No visitors this evening and we all go to bed early. Grace and Maud go for the mail get a letter from Wells and one from Allen Lafleur. No rain.

April 4th 1894: Wednesday

Wind South blowing a half gale. Dr. Buchanan came over all night gone to Rattrays. Rained this fore noon. Afternoon the boys plow on the grange. Will and Charley here grinding their axe. I pieced a new block from the Hearth and Home. Churned and made 8 prints for market and have got to write Wells a letter. No rain.

April 5 th 1894:Thursday

Arose at 3 O'Clock and got Grace started for Kingston market again. Only 8 lbs. butter. Voltie and Mart plowing away down on the flat towards Breakeys. I sounded the dinner horn long and loud. Mart and Voltie drew a load of hay at noon. Grace goes for her first music lesson this spring. Grace sold the butter for $.23 per. lb. No rain.

April 6th 1894: Friday

A cloudy chilly day but very quiet. Voltie went L. Phillips for grass seed. Came back just after dinner. Jack Niles brought me some fish. Dora Gillespie here for milk and stayed till 10:00 O'Clock P.M. and string out a mess of yarns (Petrie) 50 miles long. V. & G. & N. & C.W. went to Milliens Bay for ile (??) A practicing lesson in singing at J.N. at which G.D.B.& J.D.B.( Must be Grace Darling Bamford & James Devolson Bamford ...T Moye) attend a vault meeting held at the church this evening which Wellie and Martin attend. A letter from Watson informing us of Harrys visit - oh dear- no rain.

April 7th 1894: Saturday

A fine day sun clear. Voltie and Martin plowing. Wellie Jr. ditching. Maud making an afternoon visit at J. N. Will Dixons folks boiling down sap. Grace done Sat. cleaning. Voltie carried the bees out of the cellar one dead hive consquently we have a little honey for supper. No rain.

April 8th 1894: Sunday

A mild quiet day. Mart gone to church. No rain.

April 9th 1894: Monday

Graces birthday. A mild day sun shining. Wind blowing some from the south. Grace washing clothes lines full. Rachel goes home about 3 O'Clock I lent her Ishmail Vol. 1 Boys finished plowing away over on the flat by Breakeys. A fine day to dry clothes. No rain.

April 10 th 1894: Tuesday

A cloudy day. Wind South West our boys plowing down by Willies (ieMart plowing) Wellie, Voltie and Will Dixon digging post holes on the grange along the road and finished them all today. Grace scrubbed the kitchen and we moved. Letters from Wells and J.K. Rachel received a letter from Norman. Grace ironed all the clothes. No rain.

April 11th 1894:Wednesday

A cloudy day and disagreeably cold. Wind North blowing a gale. Voltie cultivating ground just behind the hog pen for wheat. Wallie and Martin. I churned and darned a sock and helped get dinner. Rachel here to borrow $5.00 dollars. George Gillespie here with a subscription for a vault and tore his trousers leg most off dodging throughthe wire fence. No rain.

April 12th 1894: Thursday

Wind North, a cold disagreeably weather. Boys sowing oats 10 bushels. Wind blowing a gale from the North. Grace gone to Kingston with 7 lbs. butter. I lent Rachel $5.00 dollars of Wells money. Grace paid Ockly (I think that is Oakly ..T.M.) some money and got groceries there and paid for them. Voltie borrowed Mr. Rattrays seeder to sow grass seed. Mart and Wellie working in field. Mart cultivating Wellie sowing oats. Voltie pulverizing. Grace stopped at Belles. Mr Watson sent Maud a pair of boots. Wellie drove to the dock at evening with truck wagon. Nellie sent me a letter and returned my books (Irvines goines??) Sketch Book and Thadeus of Warsaw. Rachel came over and stayed all night came late. Said Sams dog attacked her. No rain or snow.

April 13 th 1894: Friday

A clear day. Wind north blowing hard. Rachel went after breakfast home. Our boys are working down by Wells Jr. dinner is ready since 12 meridan and now half past the hour and no sign of them yet and I expect the dinner will be stale and cold before they get here that is if they come at all. Well they are here. I scolded, said they could come no sooner. Came late for supper. Got another field sowed to oats another letter from Wells says he may come home soon. but I hope not. Rachel came over to stay all night,etc. A letter from Ockley. no rain.

April 14, 1894: Saturday

A clear fine day. Wind north no rain for many days. Rachel here and cleaned the kitchen floor. Our boys working in fields. about 4 O'Clock. Charley drove in here bringing home Grace, Belle and all their children. Charley drove back leaving Belle and the little ones here going to stay all night. I glad to see them. Rachel goes home to get her clothes to go with family to the lecture. Grace goes home with Rachel and find Aunt Dane there. So Rachel comes back with Grace for milk and buttermilk. Says can't go to the temerance lecture for visitors. A beautiful evening and they start church Voltie, Belle, Grace and Mart. I stay with the young ones and car for them. They came at 10 O'Clock. We had a time or two with young Charles Victor. Crying for Mama Bell. Well H. Watson meant to come home with Grace from Kingston on Thrusday again. Commencing rather early this spring to sponge board and lodging again. But he did not come. Belle and I sat up and visited till late. --no rain.

April 15,1894:Sunday

A bright morning warm and fine. wind south. Glad to find Belle here this morning after breakfast dishes all were washed. Our visiters began to come in. I cooked dinner for Maude Watson;Irene Bamford;Devolsom Bamford; Grace Bamford; Wells Bamford; Eveline Bamford; Muriel Bamford; Hubert Bamford; Rachel Bamford; Doradana Smith; Charles Halliday; Isabella Halliday; Margarette Halliday ( MY grandmother --T. Moye) Beatrice Halliday; Irene Halliday; Charles Victor Halliday; Martin Kennolds; George Morgan. Audie Mitchel and Will Dixon here but they did not stay to dinner.

April 16,1894: Monday

Wind south A fine day. Grace washed all the clothes. Dane stayed till after dinner and then I went over to Wills with her. This is the first time Iv'e seen mother since last Nov. found her in good health. (Her mother Nancy Smith Dixon---T.Moye) Jen, Rachel and grandmother gave me a lot of flower seeds. Will cutting potatoes to plant. Voltie been grafting all day for pear grafts for Will. Then set Dane over the river. Wellie and Mart plowing down by WWellis. I stayed to supper and Maud came to go home with me. A fine moonlight evening. R. C. F. & E. came with us as far as the bars. no rain. I have heard gossiping and scandal enough for the last few days.

April 17,1894: Tuesday

A pleasant day. Wind north. Voltie plowing here by the house. Mart helping him. Wellie plowing near home. Afternoon Wellie went to Jim McKay stone bee. Rachel here for scions to graft their trees. Voltie cut some then went home with her to show Will how to graft. Then came back and plowed by the raspberrys. The grass beginning to grow a little, the buds are swelling on the trees. Maude this morning went to school, to Miss Emma Mc Donald.

April 18, 1894: Wednesday

A clear warm bright day. Nearly cloudless. Scarcely a breath of wind. Wind north. River like a mirror. No rain since the 13 th of March. excepting a little rain the morning of the 21 st. of March. Dust flying in the roads after the wagons when they come home to dinner. Wellie eats dinner at home plowing down there and so is Mart. Voltie cleans up peas to sow. Rachel came and brought 9 duck eggs that grandmother had got over to J. Dixon. Grace set them under a hen all night. I do not believe they will ever hatch for they were brought 14 miles in a buggy. Will sent the pans home.

April 19,1894: Thursday

Looks very much like rain. Grace gone to Kingston with only 8 lbs. of butter. For which she gets 23 cents and sold to the same woman. Raining quite hard. Voltie & Mart caught in the rain and hurried home as fast as they could come. They went to drawing manure after dinner as cleared up Mart drove to dock for Grace.

(Next entry was on the 27th.---T.Moye)

April 27,1894: Friday

A fine day.Grace took up the parlor carpet and then whipped it well. Grace Kalsomined the parlor and put the bordering on.

April 28,1894: Saturday

A very quiet warm morning cloudy. Arose at 4 O'Clock A.M. that Volty can get to Marysville to board the 1st. ferry for Kingston. Wellie and Mart drawing manure below. Commenced raining at noon. and at 4 P.M. the rain came pouring down filling our can and tub in a few minutes. Valtie came at 5 with wet feet having stopped at W.J. Woodmans since 2 P.M. Voltie bought a bale of pike nets. Well after supper C.W. came and Voltie went with him across to river view for XXXX and didn't get back till 10 O'Clock through the thick fog.

April 29,1894: Sunday

A fine quiet day. South wind. Wellie came up and helped do chores. After breakfast Martin and George Niles rowed across the river for Wallace then Grace and Mart go to church at 1/2 past 10 service then Grace goes home with Niles then they drive to the foot. Voltie gone to bed and Maud, I alone most all day til about four when Shelly came and went to the cedars for flowers. Then Wellie, Eveline, Muriel and Hubert came over and Eveline and Wellie and children went home and Rachel coaxed Grace to go to Mr. Niles to buy butter and Maud went and stayed till 10 O'Clock evening Mart went too. Mart goes to Horns courting.

April 30, 1894: Monday

A clear fine day. A light south wind. The pasture and meadow are green. Grain coming up. Trees budding birds singing and building nests the dandelions are most large enough for greens. Voltie building wire fence,Mart drawing manure Wellie planting potatoes Grace washing. We sent the milk to the factory. 99 lbs. Wellie and Voltie and Mart ate dinner at Wellies. I expected them home and Grace blew the dinner horn long and loud. They ate dinner at Wellies. Sams boys speeding their trotters. I sowed lettuce and made another bed for beets. Weight of milk 99 lbs.

May 1,1894: Tuesday

A fair day. Grace finished the parlor today. I sowed beet seed and made flower bed. 100 lbs of milk only two more cows calved this morning.

May 2,1894: Wednesday

A warm day wind south. weighed our carpet rags over 30 lbs. Grace ironed the clothes. Boys drawing manure and building fence. I made out 6 butter prints for market. Will came home this afternoon with prize potatoes and fruit trees. Gave Wellie 5 dollars to buy seed potatoes. Frank Woodman and George Niles here this evening. Volty putting lead and corks on fish net.

May 3,1894: Thursday

A beautiful day very warm and calm. A breath of south wind. Voltie drove to the dock with Grace A grist for the hogs Grace carried Belle some Kalsomine.Voltie and Mart building pasture fence out all the time. Voltie finished one pike net. Wellie ,Will and Rachel gone to Kingston. Came home late Voltie milked the cows alone. Nellie sent me a book entilted "After two Years" by Charles Kingsley.

May 4,1894: Friday

A cloudy morning. Wind south raining quite hard clears up toward eve. with fog. A steamer vessel whistling in the fog. Will here and helped Voltie set a fish net. Grace Kalsomined the bodour

May 5,1894:Saturday

A very fine clear day. After the rain cool and clear every field green and sparkling with dew. Grace mopped dinning room and kitchen and pantry. The boys finish building pasture fence by Burnhams after dinner. Maud and I go over to Wills and stay till dark and Rachel and the children came as far as the bars lane found Mrs. Niles and Tilly here they went home just in time to escape the rain which came grandly with heavy thunder and lighting. Commenced baseball at Sams.

May 6,1894: Sunday

A fine warm morning. Wind followed by heavy thunder and lightning showers. Mart went to church a great attendance but no preacher. His Rev. was absent. George Niles made us two visits. Will and Charles made us an evening visit. Singing sacred is the order of the evening.

May 7,1894 :Monday

A clear morning after a night of thunder and lighting. Rain and wind the wind S. W. blowing half a gale all day. Chilly towards eve. Grace papered small parlor drove the cows to the lower pasture and finished the pasture fence and drew rails for a calf pasture. Wellie and Mart draw manure 36 lbs of milk this morning. Voltie called on Mr. Niles family. Mrs. Niles cleaning house today and washing this evening.

May 8,1894 :Tuesday

A cool breezy morning. Wind South West clear. Volty and Martin go to the lower pasture to milk. 126 lbs. of milk. Wind goes down at evening so Mart and Volty run net and line. 18 pike and came in and had to do their chores after dark.

May 9, 1894 : Wednesday

A very cool day indeed a common wind blowing from the west boys planting potatoes in fore noon. Afternoon they shingle for Sammy, A bee - 186 lbs. of milk this morning. Voltie took 18 fish from his net. Pike and 3 sturgeon from from the lines. One weighing 44 lbs. dressed.

May 10,1894 : Thursday

A most beautiful day. A white frost last night the grass bright green and covered with frost dew. Voltie took 15 pike from net this morning. Voltie drove to dock this morning. sold calf hides to buy fish cord for sturgeon. Mart has not used any tobacco in 3 weeks. Voltie intends going with George Niles to Cape with fish tomorrow after dinner. Maud and I walk over to Wills for a little visit Rachel came back with us and borrowed kerosene. In the night wind rising before morning blowing a gale and rain.

May 11,1894 : Friday

Raining and blowing half gale this morning.Wind south. Called Voltie at 4 O'Clock but he wouldn't get up. He and Mart got up at 5 and went down to Wells to milk the cows through rain and wind. Clears up at 9 O'Clock but wind blown all day. Old Mrs. Montgomery very sick not expected to live. Grace making Maud a pink dress.

The next week missing.

May 18,1894 :Friday

A very rainy morning. Got out of bed at 12 midnight to set the tub for rain water for it has been thundering and lighting for a long time. Mother here reading a novel. Grace washing the breakfast dishes is practicing the music lesson Mart is reading "Ishmul" or "Out of the Depths." Voltie gone to the foot to run fish nets the weather mild and warm with rain. A dull quiet day. Maud sewing carpet rags. hit or miss. Will here in evening playing and fiddling and singing that is Will and Voltie. No letter from Wells.

May 20,1894 :Sunday

Wind east blowing half a gale air warm. Mart stayed and ate breakfast with Wellie. Clouds are black and angry with wind all around barometer changing grass beautifully green. Trees and fruit trees in leaf and blossom. A great promise of fruit this year. Maud gone to Mr. Niles to go with Shell to Sabbath school. Grace gone down to Wellys. Grandmother reading.

May 21,1894 :Monday

Wind North a very pleasant day. Voltie and Will went to the nets and then Voltie went to the Cape with fish. Eveline and the children here. Eveline made Mart a shirt. Voltie bought himself a shirt, a pair of tan low shoes and Wellie a pair of overshoes. Grandmother walked home. Mart cultivated the corn ground.

May 22,1894 :Tuesday

Cool with wind North in the morning changing south. light with some rain. Grace washed. Wellie planted corn. and so did Mart. Voltie marked out the corn land and then they all played base ball at Mr. Woodmans. Wellie and Mart went home to supper and to milk the cows. Voltie,Will and Mart go spearing fish in the evening. Grace white washed the chamber bedroom and cleaned the floors and doors and window. Maud went to school. Grace and Maud gone for the mail. I churned and made bread. dinner etc. no letter from Wells.

May 23,1894 : Wednesday

A very fine warm day. Wind South We looked for John today but he did not come Voltie planted corn and fitted the ground by the house for planting washed a quilt and mended. Voltie a pair of trousers loons,Grace cleaned floors and helped house work.

May 24,1894 :Thursday

A warm still day. Cloudy and showery. Mart and Grace gone to Kingston to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday--75 years old today. Wellie drove to the dock this morning. Voltie brought his fish nets up from the foot found our gobbler dead this morning. He was here gobbling at the door last night all right. Fred Joy came up with Voltie and got a little seed corn Voltie went to the dock at half past 9:00 P.M. for G and M H(or N) brought a wagon laod of humanity from the dock including Ben Dodge,Laura Smith, Frank Woodman, and George Niles. Got home at 12 midnight. Dodges went over the river.

May 25,1894 : Friday

Wellie and Voltie building wire fence Grace making my basque. I sewed carpet rags. Maud got a sty on her eye. A letter from Watson and one from Wells Sr. too. Cold to work in garden. Wind North. Blowing a gale and cloudy.

May 26,1894 : Saturday

A fine day Wind North and light. Boys building fence. Mart is planting and making garden every thing growing finally. Fish and custard pie for dinner.

May 28,1894 : Monday

Wind west blowing and raining hard all day which caused the suspension of a great deal of farm business. cleared up towards night with wind. Our boys fussed around couldn't do much work. Grace sewed. I sewed carpet rags.

May 29,1894 : Tuesday

A clearing up day after the rain. Sky full of big bellied wind clouds. moving North East a light silvery clouds rain exhausted. Voltie and George Niles intended going to Cape with fish. Wind began breezing up more fiercely from the west.So left the fish in N. boat house until the wind falls. Wells Jr. plowing tater ground for Hanes to plant on shores. Sarah Gillespie came this morning to help Grace make a dress. Will came and grained the pantry cup board door. Grace and Maude went with Sarah a long way when she went home.

May 31,1894 : Thursday

Wellie drove Grace to dock through the rain. Rachel and Will went to Kingston,too.

June 1,1894 :Friday

It rains most all day. Tubs and barrel full of rain water. didn't get any letters from any person.

June 2,1894 : Saturday

A rainy day. Raining all day. and very windy. Haynes here to dinner. He came up to plant potatoes but didn't plant for the rain. I washed towels and other things and hang them in the sun to dry. Grace got toothache and gone to bed. Mr. John Mongomery buried today.

June 3,1894 :Sunday

A beautiful morning after the rain. grain, meadow pasture, fruit trees and garden,everything growing. Wind South Wish Belle and family would come down today. Alone all day. No person here all day.

June 4,1894 :Monday

A very fine day and warm but towards night grows colder. Wind west. Wellie brought Eveline and the children up in the punt just after dinner. Wellie and Voltie finish the wire fence pasture. Eveline stayed to tea. Al Barrie here to get Voltie and team. drew pressed hay to the scow. Voltie can't go must do his own work Haynes finished planting potatoes. Em Haynes here and went to Wills for butter and eggs. Mart drew manure.

June 5,1894 :Tuesday

Wind East this morning. More rain and bids for a rainy day. Voltie did intend going to Cape with fish Maude gone to school didn't want her to go but she persisted in going. Wellie and Mart in shop working on the skiff. Well,Voltie has started for the cape.

June 8,1894 :Friday

Quite a fine day. Wind west Eveline and Hurbert here. Wellie working for Uncle Smith building fence. Winnie home. Muriel with Aunt Laura.

June 9,1894 :Saturday

A very fine day. Soft south wind a baseball at S.D.W.'s in afternoon. Mr. Haynes here sewing.(?) I wash carpet.

June 15,1894 : Friday

A beautiful day. Doradane said she must surely go home and they then concluded to stay so as to see John and Flora when they come. John and Flora came P.M.

June 16,1894 :Saturday

A fine day. Voltie rowed aunt Dane across the river this morning before breakfast. Grace got teeth ache yet.

June 17,1894

Well tis Sunday morning. Warm but looks like rain barometer falling. Nelly G. ,John, Flora, Dant D. and another fellow here for breakfast. Oh! dear I'm tired. John and Flora went home this afternoon. Rob,Dant,Will Getman and Kellar went ,too. All gone but Nell.

June 18,1894 :Monday

A very warm day. light wind south looks much like rain but Grace and Nell G. go up to Mr. Docteurs in J. Niles buggy to make a days visit. Rain showers with thunder and lighting. Girls come home at evening. A good visit.

June 19,1894 :Tuesday

Very warm light wind S. showery everything growing grandly and beautifully. Mart went to the Cape with fish went with George Niles fish mostly spoiled. Wellie working on his house. Voltie making axaltree for wagon. Nellie Guy reading and sleeping. I been reading Grace popping corn. heavy thunder. A heavy shower at 4 & 5 this morning. We are rather short of provender.(?) We are always short after entertaining so much company.

June 20,1894 :Wednesday

A fine day with occassional showers.

June 21,1894 :Thursday

A beautiful day. Arose early Nellie gone home today. Grace went to Kingston. Wellie drove to dock. Grace has a new lesson "Imperial Polka." Bees swarm for first time this summer. Valtie had a little difficuilty hiving them, then after dinner little Charley come for Voltie to hive a swarm for Will. Will gone to town. Voltie and Mart furrowed out and hoed corn A.M. and P.M. hoed potatoes at Wellies. Will Dixon came home from Kingston "sick" Charley Wickham came too. ( I think by sick she means drunk.. but that is just my opinion... T.Moye)

June 22,1894: Friday

Sid Percy here. A beautiful day wind South and breezy. Wellie and Mart hoeing potatoes by Wellies. Voltie repairing wagon and making new axle. I weeding onions and lettuce. Maude home from school. Grain and everything growing finely. The young apples as large as haws or half grown hickory nuts. Two letters from Hugh (Bamford) Both from the land office urging and insisting on an immediate and substantial payment.

June 23,1894: Saturday

A hot day. Wellie and Mart hoeing potatoes. Voltie working at wagon axle. A picnic and baseball game on grindstone Island between foot of Wolfe Island boys and grindstone boys. Wolfe Island beat by 9 to 29. Wolfe Island boys 8 innings and grindstone boys 9 inings.

June 24,1894: Sunday

The very warmest hottest day yet. A thunder shower came up black in S.W.but steered off to the North and kept out of our way. Scarcely a breeze to ripple the river. Hens and chickens around with their mouths open panting for breath. No person here this day. Grace taking a nap. and Voltie sleeping. Mr. Armstrong preached today. Oh! too hot for comfort. We may get a shower yet. Rumbling of thunder heard afar off some where. George Docteur and J. Murphy called here this morning inviting Voltie and Grace to a picnic up the Island some rain with thunder and lighting.

June 25,1894: Monday

A fine breezy day. wind south Boys working on the road. ie Wells Jr. , Devalson (Voltie) and Mart. Grace done big washing and began making her print dress.

June 26,1894: Tuesday

A fine summer day. Barometer falling all day. Grace making a print dress for herself to wear to the p (can't read it..TM). The boys working on the road. 12:00 clock then go to election play baseball till thunder & lightning wind and rain drive them all home going to play baseball against the Ferry 9 tomorrow. Grace brought in all the washing from the clothes line. In a hurry I almost forgot to say the boys went to Election and voted for Haycock. Will came over and hived a swarm of bees while boys were gone but the bees all went back.

June 27,1894: Wednesday

Wind south with a little rain now and again. Wells Jr, Devolty, Grace and Mart gone to a picnic in Ranous woods for benifit of Rev. Lipton. Maud and I alone all day. Maude is a good child. Excepting Welly the others came home late. Will helped Wellie milk. They report a fine time. Danced all day. A big crowd. H.H.(not sure who could be Henry Holliday) drove down for Till (could be Will)to go to the pinic.

June 28, 1894:Thursday

A warm summer day. Wind south and breezy. A thorough rain would be very beneficial at present. Wells Jr. drove to dock this morning with Grace. Voltie has lain awhile to rest.himself after being up alone with Charley Wickham after the Doctor for Jen but didn't get him. For he gone from home to a wedding. Just as well youngster born just all the same without a Doctor. I don't feel very cute after being up all night. Finished Wells Jr. scrapebook. Grace and Voltie went up the Island to a picnic. Eveline, Welly and their children came up for their groceries Mart went to John's today to help him with his haying.

June 29, 1894: Friday

Wind south warm very breezy cloudy looks like rain. Barometerfalling. Hens perscuting the duck picked feathers off his back and picked its eye out. Grace and Maude went to Wills then for the mail. We keep the duck in cellar.

June 30, 1894: Saturday

The last day of June Very warm wind south and very high. Not a cloud to be seen this morning. Grace worked home all forenoon. Then went to Wills and worked till long after dark.

July 1,1894: Sunday

Heat very great. Wind south and light Rachel came down from Carlton Island. ( Worked there as a cook...TM) Will went for her with Niles boat Charley Wickham rowed back with Wellies boat. I went over to Wills toward night. Eddy Bates here made a visit. Voltie sleeping in Hammock and reading. Every thing suffering for rain.

July 2,1894: Monday

A hot day. heat oppressive barometer falling. Voltie hoed in garden. Took a super of honey from a hive put on another. sharpened mowing machine knives and mowed a few times around this afternoon. Niles horses in our grain again. Flora and Ethel came here stayed all day. Wellie went to O'Briens to get something fixed and then watered all the cows and plowed out Haynes potatoes. Haynes going to move and don't want them. Grace at Wills all day. A powerful rain towards night with thunder and lightning and wind. It lodged the wheat. J Esford at Wills visiting.`

July 3,1894: Tuesday

A partially cloudy morning after the rain. Wind south. Thunder and lightning in the night. Clears away bright and warm breezy I sent John a postal card. Grace sewing for Maud. Voltie went to O'Briens to get the mowing machine. Got home at half past 12 am Barometer pointing "change"

July 4, 1894:Wednesday

Wind west cool and refreshing Wellie hoeing Haynes potatoes. Voltie mowing with machine. Grace washing all afternoon. Then went over to Wills and made out butter for market and big ironing and walked over to Dingmans and home again. Will Dixon here this eve. for ice. Fine cool evening Niles family went to Cape to celebrate fourth of July. Lidy Ranous went with them. Wind west and blowing a smart breeze all day. Quinn Beadle raised his big barn today.

July 5, 1894: Thursday

A cool breezy day. same as yesterday. Wind west. Wellie and Will Dixon gone to Kingston. Voltie milked and Eveline milked the cows. Voltie doctored Haynes potatoes for bugs after dinner.Went for a load of bean poles and raked hay and milked the cows again and came home and done all the chores. Grace drove to dock for Wellie thinking to go with the Dingmans to Lafleurs party. Herb wouldn't go forth had no invitation. Grace went to Wills again to work today.

July 6,1894: Friday

Grace and Voltie went to Lafleurs party with Frank Woodman. Came home at 4 am this morning.

July 7,1894: Saturday

A fine day dry and cold. Strong wind blowing from the west. Grace moped the floors.

July 8,1894: Sunday

A dry cold day. Wind west. Wellie came up in a skiff and I went home with him and stayed all day after church. Voltie came to Wellies too and ate dinner and supper. Hattie and Hiriam (Bamford) there and Frank Woodman. George and Wall Niles & Rafler, Russel, and Will McDoud. Wellie brought me up in skiff.

July 9,1894: Monday

A warm dry day. Wind south. Grace made Maud a dress and sewed most all day. I wrote Rogers and Kirkpatrick a letter. Grace wrote Watson. Wellie and Voltie mowing and raking hay down by Wellies I hoed corn. Wellie came for the sewing machine.

July 10, 1894: Tuesday

A warm day. Wind south, no rain. The grand summer clouds assume all kinds of fantastic shapes, pile upon pile arising from the horizon on every side in lovely grandeur. Mart not home yet. Wellie and Voltie drawing hay and stacking here by the barn. A fellow named Russel here. Maud went to Mrs. Niles to borrow tea. Wellie has 5 more pigs at the barn sow ate one, leaves 4. A letter from John. Mr. Watson and also Hugh Southerland for a pair of little boots.

July 11, 1894: Wednesday

Another dry warm day. Wind south the boys stacking hay down by Wellies Voltie drove to the factory this morning.

July 13, 1894: Friday

Looks like rain this morning but clouds clear away with a brisk breeze from south. Mart came home this morning from John's he stayed all night at Dodges and came over in punt with a strong breeze after him. A hot day with some thunder and lighting. Showers going around to Eastward. All hands working at the hay. We had peas for dinner and singing party at the feet ( foot of the Island no doubt...T.M.)

July 14,1894: Saturday

Arose at 4 O'Clock. Called Voltie and he went immediately to Wellies they intend to draw hay all day but rains before 8 O'Clock hard spoiling their hay drawing. Well they will hoe potatoes. Mart went to factory this morning.

July 15,1894: Sunday

A warm day. Showery day. I went to Wills. Maud went too. Williams and Wickham there. Had a jug of cider George Niles had dinner with us. LaFleur here in evening.

July 16,1894: Monday

A very warm day. Grace washed all the clothes. Boys drawing hay at Wellies all day. I washed a lot of clothes,too.

July 17,1894: Tuesday

A dry hot day. A scorcher. Boys worked at Wellies drawing hay Will helped them. Grace went to the ice cream party at W. G. Woodmans. Mart went too and rowed the skiff. Got home at 1 A.M. Mr. Watson came after dark. I washed some clothes.

July 18,1894 Wednesday

A very hot day. No clouds Maud Watson here. Voltie & Mart making hay at Wellies. No wind Grace got toothsche.

July 19,1894 Thursday

Grace, Maud and Watson go to Kingston and bring back Lib and the baby back with them for a weeks stay.

July 20, 1894 Friday

Towards eve a black cloud arising in the south with heavy thunder and lighting accompanied by wind.

July 21, 1894 Saturday

No rain. Old Mr. Breaky buried today from the house. Rev. Lipton officating. Our boys & Watson attend

July 22,1894 Sunday

No rain. Maud and Watson went to Church to hear the Rev. White preach.

July 23,24,&25, 1894 no rain

July 26,1894 Thursday

Well the Watson's are going home today. Maud and Grace are going to see the baby christened Benjamin Ambridge Craig. Well they have stuffed themselves on string beans and green peas and other eatables til they are fairly gorged. Harry will come down by and by and we will fill him up and stuff him out ,too.

July 29,1894 Sunday

Charley, Bell and the children here and I go home with them to stay a week. I don't feel very well but am going all the same. Very fine weather for the harvest. I see Charley has a fine garden.

July 30,1894 Monday

A fine day at Bells. I write a letter to Johnny. Dick (Holliday)reaping and binding Charleys wheat.

July 31,1894 Tuesday

I sent a letter to ?? from Bells. No rain. Charley helping Dick.

August 4,1894 Saturday

Dry weather. I am at Charles (Holliday)

August 5,1894 Sunday

A very fine day, dry weather. Belle and the children came down home with me. Jim driving. Marjorie & Beatrice stay to make a visit.

August 6,7,no rain

August 8,1894 Wednesday

A dance at O'Briens, Mart, Voltie and Grace went. An awful thunder and lightning storm while they were gone. Lightning sticking and burning L. Dodges barn, grainary and hogpen

August 9,10,&11 no rain

August 12,1894 Sunday

A dry warm day. wind blowing some -- no rain-- John surprised me by walking in after dark. He came for Mart but Mart can't go.

August 13,14, no rain

August 15,1894 Wednesday

No rain. wind south. A dance at Fred Joys. Allen & Nellie LaFleur came and went too. The dance and left their brother George here.

August 16,1894 Thursday

Very dry weather no rain. Grace, Marjorie, Beatrice and the dog walk to the dock this morning.

August 17, 1894 no rain

August 18,1894 Saturday

Belle and Charley came down this evening intending to go to the lecture but staid here instead till 10:00. leaving Irene here. Very dry - no rain.

August 19,1894 Sunday

A warm dry quiet day. were surprised by John, Flora and Mr. & Mrs. E. Lindley making a visit John wants Mart but boys can't let him go. Poor dear John.(her son John)

August 20,1894 Monday

Dry and no rain. I am sorry about John. Don't know how he will manage. I went over and sewed for Jen today. Made 2 shirts one for Charley and one for Will. Irene went with me when I came home found Mr. & Mrs. Niles here.

August 21,1894 Tuesday

dry & cool no rain

no rain on August 22,1894

August 23,1894 Thursday

A dry smoky time. no rain for a long time. Drove to dock this morning but found the boat had come and gone at six only passengers from this dock being Wellington Burnham who kept the arrangement to himself after the change of time had been entrusted to his telling. Eveline and children here all day. Eveline, Grace and Mart milk the cows early so Mart can drive Grace to Holliday's this eve to go on the boat tomorrow morn. Mart got home about 10:00 P.M. bringing H. W. with him. Voltie threshing for Ranous.

August 24,1894 Friday

Still dry hot day. smoky - no rain woke up this morning to find H. Watson here Mart threshing for Ranous. Voltie digs potatoes. Maud and I go reconoctering around the corn and bean field. I help Voltie milk. I milk one cow Voltie milk thirteen. Mart came home early drove poor Will got a tooth ache.

August 25,1894 Monday

A still warm very smoky day dry everything looks withered and dying for want of rain. Threshing at Horns today. Fred Joy brought us some beef $1.25. Harry Watson here Voltie and MartShingling the old barn this afternoon. Eveline is honored with Mrs. Delia Ormsby as quest this p.m. thundered.

August 26,1894 Sunday

No rain. Cool and very dry leaves on trees dying and falling. Apples dropping from trees. Cattle suffering for feed and very unruly. Visitors are Wallace, Niles,Frank Bamford, Wells Jr. Eddy Bates and of course H. Watson prospective Dr. Md. Maud and I go to Wills at 5 P.M. Voltie goes for the cows & Mart gone off somewheres with Wall Niles and don't get home till 9 evening. Will came home with Maud and I.

August 27,1894 Monday

Very dry and smoky. No rain. Barometer at a stand still. H. Watty went and stayed over night with Wellie Jr. and didn't get back till we had breakfasted. George Rattray stayed here over night. Will Ranous went home with Wellie Jr. Grace accompanied H. Watty to the exhibition at the M.E. Church

August 28,1894 Tuesday

A dry smoky day. No rain for days. Boys will finish our threshing today. Watty is a setter. A door setter.

August 29, 1894 Wednesday

A very slight shower this evening. otherwise no rain.

August 30 & 31 No rain

September 1,1894 Saturday

No rain dry smoky and warm. wind south. I sew for Jen made Will and Charley a shirt. John Dixon drove past with Nancy to the foot to visit Lib. Rattray drove back and left the horse and buggy at W. C. Smiths. and stayed all night at Will Dixons. Voltie went over to see Buchanan. I come home at 12 past 9 pm. and found him all in bed.

September 2, 1894 Sunday

Wind south and breezy. no rain a thick dark smoke everywhere. Great forest fires in Canada and states seems as though the world was all on fire. Voltie shot a hen and took his newspaper and went to bed. Grace and Maud washed breakfast dishes I took care of the milk and cooked the dinner.

September 3,1894 Monday

Wind south thunder this morning before daylight thought it would rain and a thick smoke. Grace washed. I churned and gathered apples. Maud went to school to Miss Harpell first day for Maud.

September 4,1894 Tuesday

Wind southand breezy. No rain, smoky. Voltie better and gathering corn, beans, pumpkins, Wellie working at home. I canned 5 cans tomatoes. Picked up apples pared a pan full to dry. Churned and skimmed milk. rains a little after sun down. It lightness some. Maud went to school.

September 5,1894 Wednesday

This morning before daylight heavy right smart shower of rain. Caught the tub nearly full of water. Grace cleaned floors. I scoured pantry shelves. Raining again this P.M. but does not clear away the smoke. Will and Voltie go fishing for their supper. Grace ironed clothes. Maud at school. Wellie working at his house.

September 9,1894 Sunday

A beautiful day. Fair wind south. Grace and Maud go to church. Bell, Charley and little Charley come over I cooked 2 chickens for dinner. Wellie, Eveline, and children come too and Grace comes with Maud from church. After dinner Charley goes home with Wellie to see the potatoes and they all have a very good visit. Grace goes home with them to help Bell cook for threshers. The Woodman machine doing their threshing. Wellie Jr., Eveline and children stay all night.

September 10,1894 Monday

A wet rainy day rather cool. Voltie and Mart working in the ShopEveline says she will stay with me a few days for we want to can tomatoes and make catsup. Wellie gone home to work in his house makeing partitions upstairs. Wellie didn't come up to dinner but while we are eating dinner in walked Johnny. Came for Martin and got hiom this time, but is a very bad day to cross the river in Dodges old boat through the rain and wind.

September 16, 1894 Sunday

A bright fair day and warm. Wind south. Wallace here looking for Martin couldn't find him. George Niles and Frank Woodman here. Frank said Grace wanted her fur cape so I sent it to her and said Belle and Grace are going to cook for George Martins threshers. I'm sorry they are going to cook for Martin poor dear Belle she has enough and too much work at home.

September 19,1894 Wednesday

So I am writing this diary back from another data. I will write just here. John Morgan was drowned the night of Sept. 19,1894. Though we didn't hear of it til September 23, Sunday morning. A cold North wind storming breeze and a very dark night with rain.

September 20,1894

Expected Grace home today from her Kingston visit but she didn't come. It is a very rainy morning. Wellie drove to the dock with Voltie and just as they were starting Martin came running across the fields and hopped into the wagon enroute for Kingston fair couldn't stand it had to go to the Kingston fair.Having stayed all night at Lon Dodges. Voltie brought all our spices and butter bowl and said Grace is coming home Saturday with Laura. Voltie gave Grace a dollar and bought her a pair of fine boots.

September 27, 1894 Thursday

A fine morning. Voltie threshing for W. McDonald. Wellie drove to factory and after breakfast Eveline picked up all her things. Perserving pots, cans and jars and bottles and Wellie drove down home with her and the children leaving Maud and I here alone. Well tis somewhat lonesome but very peaceful and quiet. I fly around. Maud and I get things well in order. Wells come up and fed the hogs at noon. Grace came home long after dark driving home alone. Wellie stopped at home. Well i'm glad to see her but a great mind to thresh her for staying away so long.

September 28,1894 Friday

Well, Grace was up early this morning. 5:00 O'Clock which is quite contrary to city rules. 7:00 O'Clock being early rising for city people.Well after breakfast and the work all done. Grace, Maud and I went down to Marts garden and gathered apples, citrons, cucumbers and I came back tired enough and canned some tomatoes. Voltie away threshing for Bill McDonel. I parried apples for drying nearly all day. Towards afternoon Maude and I go and gather a basket of wild grapes.

September 29,1894 Saturday

A lovely autumnal day(This is one of her new words I guess...TM)Really exquisite. Temperture just right. Clear and windless a golden day such days there may have been in paradise. Some people call such days "weather breeders" but if this day calls forth weather in opposite contrast to it self what terrible weather it will be. Grace worked all day like a little heroine and the rooms in afternoon are clean and shining as a new pin. Wellie Jr. and Eveline and the children stay to supper but no must go. Well while we were partakeing our supper so cozily in walks John, Flora having come over in N. Dodges old skiff leaking half full of water. Glad to see them.

September 30,1894 Sunday

John and Flora are here this morning safe and sound. We do not rise very early. Wellie didn't come up to milk this morning. Voltie took the heads off two fouls and we had pot pie for dinner. Keeping the young fowl for breakfast next day. Well John calculates to go home today but it looks like a storm after yesterdays most lovely weather. After dinner John goes down to see Wellie. Grace goes to bed. Flora and Maud go out walking on the shore. Towards evening it began to rain that John comeing up from Wellie's made up his mind that he would have to stay over night, so stayed.

October 1,1894 Monday

A cool day rather but Grace did a big washing. Voltie brought her some water. Wellie took his skiff and rowed John and Flora over the river to Dodges leaving Dodges old boat here on shore. Well John had apples & tomatoes, potatoes. Catsup. Wellie got his boots that Ben D had bought for him but they were too small for him.and Voltie had to take them. The wind sprung up and flew a storm shaking the apples down from the trees. Grace brought all the clothes in before night.

October 2,1894 Tuesday

A beautiful autumn day. Voltie done chores and helped Will Dixon. Grace ironed. I dug some potatoes. One row from the garden. Voltie picked them up and carried them in to the cellar. I made a Johnny cake for dinner but the corn meal was old and musty.

October 3,1894 Wednesday

A rainy morning. Grace helped Voltie milk. Wellies old shoes no good. Voltie drove to factory. Wellie came up after breakfast and went to help Niles kill hogs for market. Till and Hank gone to the fair. I think they must have got wet. Niles gave Wells a pigs liver. Wellie gave me a piece of it for supper. I wrote a long letter to Nellie Guy. Grace ironed the clothes.

October 4, 1894 Thursday/p>

Wind south and shower morning. arose at 4:00 O'Clock and got breakfast. Grace walked to the dock before day light Wellie went to Kingston,too. Voltie milked all the cows drove to the factoryand done all the chores.Dug all the potatoes (Haynes) and drew part of them and put them in the cellar, done all the chores. Milked cows and drove to the dock again. Mrs. Morgan on the boat today. The Sherriff seized all the things today. This is the second seizure.

October 5, 1894 Friday

A cool wind south west. Rolling dark clouds a perfectly threatening autumn day. A fore runner of what we may expect. Voltie plowing on the grange. Voltie and Wellie agree, to do their work seperately. Wellie working his end of the place and Voltie this part and each one working a part of the grange. The pastures and all grass lands are very green. Maude washed the dinner dishes and has gone to Wills to borrow some white thread for Grace. Didn't get any yesterday. raining nearly all night. We paired a bushel of apples, Voltie , Grace & I.

October 6, 1894 Saturday

A chilly day. Wind west and breezy clouds scudding before the wind. Wellie came up and helped milk and went home to breakfast. Voltie drove to the factory and done all the chores. Picked up and drew to the house the rest of the Haynes potatoes and put them in the cellar. Got some wood and hung up the apples I have strung. Drove to the field to plow all the afternoon. Maud picked up some apples and paired and strung some. Grace cleaned all the house reading all the evening in a book Nelly sent me. "In all Shades" by Grant Allen. A fine book.

October 7, 1894 Sunday

A most beautiful day. Quiet, bright, warm, clear, serene, not many such days will come this fall. What a lovely day to drive over to Belles. But we have no way to go only in the old farm wagon. Well we are alone all day. Wellie came up to help milk in the morning. And evening & went directly home again. After dinner Maud went to Mr. Niles and Grace went to Wills & Wellies & Rube McF(hard to read could be McFee)and another fellow from Clayton with 2 children. A Keys fellow married to one of Bill Steeles daughters they all had supper at Wellies. Will Dixon & Grace went over to Dingman's in the evening. Young Docteur there. Frank Woodman & Wallace Niles there. Voltie and I at home all day went nowhere. I broke the sabbath by reading " In All Shades". Voltie says Eveline is going tomorrow to Clayton and Reube but they may be disapointed for so very fine day this time of year is generally followed by wind.

October 8, 1894 Monday

Wind sprang up in south about mid night and has been blowing half a gale all day. Apples are constantly falling and the turkeys are picking them to pieces. Maud gone to school. Grace washing. Voltie drew a load of sand from the foot Barometer falling clouds are fast gathering in south West for a storm. We had apple dumplings for dinner. I gathered the Quat(?) head beans and a few apples. The rain fell in torrents from 4 O'Clock till bedtime. Frank Woodman here in evening his father got a kink in his neck. Wanted something to cure it. Frank Woodman can see Digman stealing our apples.

October 9, 1894 Tuesday

A mild cool day, cool enough to have closed doors. A real beautiful day, with floating white clouds. Voltie working away at the piazza wall in front of house. Maud at school. Voltie drove to factory this morning as he does every morning but this morning he requested Kenny to tell Herb Dingman to keep himself and mother out of our orchard. Grace mopped the floors. Miss Mary Dingman made us an afternoon visit Mrs. Niles came too. Said she would like to weave my carpet and I think I will send it to her to weave. Though I hardly know how to pay her for weaving. Grace went part way home with Mary. Maud went too. Voltie pared a bushel basket full of apples a letter from F. W. Watson.

October 10,1894 Wednesday

Last night the moon had a golden ring and barometer falling fast this morning the rain is falling too. Wind and rain all day. but pastures, woods & meadows as green as spring time. I quartered cored and strung the apples and hung them up. No plowing done. Will here in the evening to see who is going to Kingston tomorrow. Want to send for flour, apple barrels, lumber, etc. Will is working hard to finish their kitchen before the cold weather comes along. Wellie is doing the same. Will brought his fruit catolog with him for Voltie to select pears. Voltie was abed but came down and told Will he will take two of each kind of pear. The water in their well not yet good sun so dry. Wind North in A. M. veering to south then west.

October 11,1894 Thursday

Wind south and a rainy morning clears up with flying scuds and black squally wind clouds. Voltie and Grace milked the cows. Voltie drove to factory and came back and done all the chores. Fed 19 hogs, watered all the horses, chopped wood, brought water, and then laid wall around the verandah. Grace finished my dress skirt. Maud at home. Grace swept and made beds. I washed dishes pared apples and got dinner. WQellie drove home the cows and helped milk. At last and gone to rest. Voltie husking corn at the barn. I baked potatoes for supper.

October 12,1894 Friday

This month is rapidly passing on and the season it appears to go swifter as the days are shorter than the nights. The sun this morning arose in a cloudless sky. A light west wind and cool. Voltie and Eveline gone over the river to get a buggy of William Windmill to go to Clayton. Eveline going to get her teeth fixed Voltie to get Wells Jr. a pair of boots Maud at school, Wellie and the children here today. Wellie has gone to pick up fallen apples from the grange trees. I wrote Mr. Watson. Jr. didn't pick up apples. The weather looks very threatening for a storm. The sun had a ring and dark clouds are lying to the south & south west with ragged wind heads sticking up here and there. Voltie and Eveline come home in time for supper and concluded to stay all night. Wellie Jr. and Voltie worked in shop til late making oars for Mr. Niles. Grace got letter & 40 dollars order.

October 13,1894 Saturday

Wind south. raining all night & rains this morning. Wellie Jr. and Eveline and the children stay til after dinner. Wind squalls with rain all day. Eveline made Grace & I each an apron. Bought the cloth yesterday in Clayton. Grace cleaned floors. Boys finished J. Niles oars p.m. Voltie in cellar making an apple bin. I pared quared ,cored and strung more apples & hung them to dry. Shelly Niles and another Little girl here. Named Hattie McKeever from "way back" enroute for the U.S.A. accompanied by her grandmother. Mc K. who apparent is stationed at Mr. John Niles awaiting an opportunity to cross the river St. Lawrence. She said little one having been kidnapped by her grandmother from a brutal step daddy and is secretly conveying her to the "glorious land of liberty" after being very closely questioned by a police officer who had recieved a dispatch from daddy nedo. Voltie worked at the verandah by the light of latern. Grace spent evening at John Niles visiting.

October 14,1894 Sunday

Wind south a rainy morning. Raining hard all day. Ground begining to be covered with water that is where the ground is low. Tis. 12 O'Clock noon now. no visiters this day too wet & rainy. I did intend going to Wills but too wet 4 O'Clock p.m. winds kept cold raining yet. Grace took long nap. Voltie reading all day. Snow squalls toward night. Did not get any supper meal & I am nearly starved. Voltie ate bread & milk for his meal and suppose we will all have to follow suit.

October 15, 1894 Monday

Wind west sunshining flying clouds and cold. Last night ground frozen for the first time this fall. Wellie came before any of us were up but Voltie up twice looking after the cattle to keep them from breaking in the orchard. Voltie has been looking after cattle now for six weeks. Have to keep 3 of them shut up in the barn every night. Voltie & Wellie are plowing. Grace gathered all green tomatoes and a few apples to put in the cellar. We are keeping the milk in the can this morning only going to send to factory now every other day. Cooked beans for dinner after dinner sent Maude to Wills for steelyards to weigh carpet rags. Grace working on my dress. Got the skirt done. Wind freshening up. Barges laying at anchor by Carlton Island. Mr. Niles here in the evening to invite the boys to help fix the dock house tomorrow. Grace & Maud wash supper dishes and I darn Volties mittens.

October 16,1894 Tuesday

Wind blowing heavy all last night with pelting rain from south. Wind and rain this morning from south and blowing heavy with some rain all day. Voltie plowed this A.M. afternoon went to fix dock house. Voltie milked all the cows this morning and drove to the factory and Wellie milked all the cows at night. and then after supper they cleaned up a grist for the hog feed Will and Charley here. Came to borrow 25 lbs. flour. Grace got toothache & Eveline got a toothache.Grace finished my dress. I got the meals ,churned, skimmed all the milk and washed the pans and pared apples for drying. Voltie carried the warp and carpet rags. Mrs. Niles shes going to weave my carpet now sure. Frank Woodman gave Voltie 3 big pumkins some thing after our turkeys that are roosting on the fence. Guess tis a fox. Voltie went out and fired off the gun. Wellie a letter to Buffalo.

October 17,1894 Wednesday

Wind south this evening and blowing with a fine sunrise wind blew terrifiely last night with lightning and rain. Dark heavy rain clouds with wind, rain, hail, thunder and lightning nearly all day. A quiet beautiful evening with a rosy sunset barometer rising. Wellie and Voltie plowing after dinner. Wellie drove to the dock with a grist for hog feed. We sent Mrs. Hammer some apples & tomatoes. Sent Nellie's book home "On All Shades" and a letter to Nell and one to John. Voltie brought in the turkey and I cooked it. Will here to supper. Voltie laying low for foxes. Gracie piecing a quilt. Maud at school.

October 18, 1894 Thursday

A fine day. Wellie went to Kingston & Grace stayed home.

October 19,1894 Friday

A fine day. I forgot what the boys were doing. But Grace and Maud filled a strw tick and Mr. Eben Joslin came and stayed awhile he called to collect the school tax for Linda's Island 84cents. Ebb is a sociable as ever and measures out R. Percys chistianity is a very little quantity.

October 21,1894 Sunday

A very fine day. Grace and Maud go to church. Charley and Belle and the little ones come over and we are very glad to see them. They stayed til towards night and I go home with them to stay a week. Wellie came up and was here when I went and Wellie too and Charlie and Will and Charlie rode to the road with us. We had a pleasant drive over and found a fine warm fire in the stove and Jimy Art meet us with old Shep.

October 22,1894 Monday

A beautiful day Charlie plowing The little girls and old dog went to school. (Note: One of THE LITTLE girls was my grandmother Margaret (Marjorie) Irene Halliday who by then would have been about 10 years old. I would think Aunt Beatrice & Aunt Irene were also in school....T.Moye)

October 23,1894 Tuesday

Rained this morning so the children stayed home.

No entry for the 24,25,or 26.

October 27,1894 Saturday

At Belles a beautiful autumn day. After breakfast Marjorie and I washed dishes and then we went up stairs and done all the chamber work. Bell cleaned all the painted floors, pantry, and chimneys and after dinner and the dishes washed,Bell and the children and I walked away out to the woods to gather autumn leaves and we all leiserely walked around the shore a very delightful day.

October 28,1894 Sunday

Charley brought me home today. A lovely Indian summer day. We met Wellie and Edy Bates near George Ranous. Wellie was going to Bells. Edy going to W. G. Woodmans, Wellie came back with us. We found John and Mart there on our arrival home and as George Niles were here, too. Grace had dinner all ready. Wellie JR. & Voltie gave John 4 bags of potatoes and some apples. I washed all the dinner dishes while Grace & Mart went to church. A beautiful sunset.

October 29,1894 Monday

A fine day. I skimmed 4 messes(?)pans of milk and churned 2 times. Went all around out doors and saw the trees were bare of apples. all been gathered in while I was gone to Bells. I saw some pumpkins drying on the poles none when I went from home.

October 30,1894 Tuesday

A very fine day & warm and still. Hannah Rattray nee: Joslin buried, put in vault today. Maud gone to school. Voltie, Grace and Mart went to the funeral. Cleaned up oats in p.m. for the scow for 25 cents per. bush. Eveline and the children came up to stay here while Wellie plasters their house. barometer slowly but steadily falling. Clouds begining to gather for a storm and Grace & I finished sewing our carpet. Put it down on the sitting room floor.

October 31,1894 Wednesday

A rainy day with fierce wind from the west. Wellie at home plastering his house. Voltie managed to draw yesterday and today 200 bushels of oats. Mart went up and brought home the other carpet for the bedroom. George and Tilly were here in the evening all Halloween tonight. Grace and Eve put down bedroom carpet. George & Till went home at 10 O'Clock. Wind blowing again.

November 1,1894 Thursday

A wind blown morning from south. Clouds ragged rolling and torn. Voltie drove to dock this morning with Grace. Grace paid $50.00 dollars to Kirkpatrick and Rogers. Eveline took down the bed stead and put down the new carpet in the bedroom. Storming most all day. Wind blowing a gale. Wellie down home plastering but came up in evening and stayed all night drove to dock for Grace. Nell didn't I'm not sorry. Frank Woodman and Johny McLochlin here in evening.

November 2,1894 Friday

A fine day for the season clear and cloudless after the rain of yesterday. Trees nearly bare but pastures and most vegetation green and growing. Eveline sewing for Jen and washing a few clothes for the children. Wellie and his dog down home plastering his house. Eveline cutting and making six bibs for the baby. Grace taking the carpet up from her bedroom floor going to clean the bedroom. Grace finished the bedroom before supper. Voltie carried the last milk to the factory to make cheese.

Novenber 3,1894 Saturday

Rianing hard wind blowing a gale from south all day and part of the night. Wellie and Voltie plastering at Wellies house after Voltie and Mart has drawn hay for the horses. Mart went Mrs. Niles and she gave Mart 3 pickerel. I baked one for dinner and fried two for supper. boys came late. Mart and Eveline all the cows milked.

November 4,1894 Sunday

A tolerable good day clear and quiet. Clouds begining to gather towards evening. Grace and Mart go to church. After dinner Grace & Eveline go down to look at the new plastered walls. Come home and Grace goes over to Will Dixons and stays till dark. Wellie & Voltie go in a.m. across the river to Linda's Island with gun and dog. Evening visitors. Jim Morgan, Flynn young Tom Morgan and Frank Woodman Inviting to a raffle and dance next Tues. eve. Jim Morgan borrowed gun and promises to bring it home tonight.

November 5,1894 Monday

Cold wind blowing a gale all night with rain. A nasty day wind and rain all day from north west. Eveline sewing for Jen, I am darning socks. Wellie plastering after dinner. Wellie Jr. & Voltie helped Will Dixon butcher 2 hogs. Mart picking up stones til chore time. Morgan didn't bring Voltie's gun home as he agreed.

November 6, 1894 Tuesday

Wind north west froze quite hard last night for the first time this autumn. Sun shine part of the time. But earth and clouds a dreary melancholy wintry look. and Muriel playing out sleding on ice on the flat and Mart came in with cold aching fingers which Eveline thawed in the wash dish. Will came over to grind his axe. Charley came too & Charley & Ethel came and brought some _______ dinner wanted tea and pepper. Eveline sent home the last of Jen's work and is now sewing and cutting a dress for herself. Grace cleaned floors and helped get dinner and finished a night dress. Wellie finished plastering his house and Voltie and Mart are picking up stone. A raffle and dance at John Hogans tonight and a bee pulling stumps and an apple pairing at Wellington Burnhams tonight.

November 7,1894 Wednesday

A middling fair day for the season. Grace and I dressed 3 turkeys off and 2 chickens for market. Churned twice and made 12 butter prints for market. Rachel rowed down in a small skiff from Carlton stopped here awhile she is going to Kingston tomorrow. Voltie in the evening cleaned a qrist for mill. and done nearly all the chores Mart went to the lecture at the church by Rev. White. Voltie brought news from ______ that Mr. Eben Joslin _________ of paralysis yesterday. (________ indicates a place where the piece of the page is missing or can't be read....T.Moye)

November 8,1894 Thursday

Arose early for market day. Put up the turkey's, fowls and butter. Got breakfast and they start off for the dock, once more. Maude goes to school. I don't feel very well, but work around slowly all day. Churn again and have supper ready when they come home at 8 p.m. bringing Edith Knight with them to make another new acquaintance. I suppose for more visiting.

November 9,1894 Friday

Rather cold. Wind west. Voltie went over the river to get some medicine for me. Called and saw Mr. Eben Joslin who is very low after the severe stroke of parlysis which he had on Wednesday. Voltie and Mart finished picking stone Leatherland here and to supper. Frank Woodman & J. ______ here all went to Wills in evening.

November 10,1894 Saturday

OH! What a dreary dismal rainy windy day. Grace done all the Saturday work. Cleaning and washed some things. I darned and took care of the milk Voltie churned in the evening. Voltie ,Edith, & Grace sang and played the organ all the evening. Wellie bought a horse of John McKuen and gave him ________ for the horse ______ old roan cow and half tun of hay.

November 11,1894 Sunday

A very chilly rather disagreeible day. Wind north west Snow showers with gleams of sunlight. Rachel came over this morning to go to Carlton but didn't go over on account of unworkable out look of the weather ate breakfast and dinner with us. Edith Knight still here visiting Ebben Joslin died this morning.

Note: No more pages until December 29th and a small entry above it which I persume would be for December 28???

Wallace Niles here this evening. After supper Mart (I surpossed) went to the post office but instead went home with Wallace and played pedro until 10:00 p.m. while I sat up and waited for him to come with the mail in vain.

December 29,1894 Saturday

A beautiful clear day but cold. Mart went for the mail this morning. Wells SR. and Wallace Niles dug the (looks like)Grave. Mr. Niles and George went to Ferry for coal Mr. Niles is going across to on the pierpont but he will have to walk to Garden Island on the ice for the boat only comes as far as the Island. Wind north, clouding up again this p.m. Grace making apple pie and cleaned floors. Cheerless weather wind piping up from south east. Wellington's little boy burried at dusk 5:00 O'Clock. p.m. A twilight burial. George Ranous's youngest boy died this morning (George JR.) of diptheria. Martin brought in the table linens and towels after dark. River frozen over from shore to shore last night.

December 30,1894 Sunday

Only one more day to write in 1894. What a terrible stormy morning snowing and blowing from south east cannot see from house to barn. arose at 11:25 O'Clock p.m. and the wind and snow storm a blinding gale which lasted till noon and suddenly cleared away leaving a strong breeze behind. The ice all broken up this morning and rolling up in great waves on the shore. Tis three O'Clock we've had our noon day meal and while I'm writting the others are sitting around the room each reading, warm glowing fire in the stove, sun brightly shinning wind drawing the snow in great drifts, while the water and ice is crashing against the shore as it comes tumbling in. Wallace came down, said his father saw Voltie yesterday in Kingston and is doing well at his business. Voltie sent home his trouser (looks like) loons?? and Marts forgotten underware. Will here in evening Mart had to go visiting to Mr. Niles in evening.

December 31,1894 Monday

Snowing this morning fast but no wind. its soft wind east broken ice on this shore at nine the sun come out brightly. Wells and Mart drawing hay. Wellie not come up yet. Been cutting wood in Wellington's wood. I darned mittens and fixed some for Mart made scrap book Grace wrote Nellie a letter. Wells SR. and Mart sawed off the end of one of the maple logs. snowed most all day. Mart & Wallace went a hunting for ducks got nothing. Wellie came to bring the team home after drawing a load of wood for himself and Will Dixon. Snows in evening.

This page belongs to Thelma Moye.