Sunday, August 3, 1873
Went down to the new Court House84 to meeting. Heard a good sermon from the words "Keep thy Heart with all diligence, for out
of it are the ishues of life". Came home ate dinner, and in the
evening went to Mr. Dunnelss found them not at home. Came back by
Mr. Osterhouts, then home. Weather pleasant. Heard very good
singing at Church today.
Monday, August 4, 1873
Unpacked our goods in the forenoon, and in the afternoon did our
washing. Weather pleasant but windy. Hiram stacking for Mr. Morgan
& Arthur carrying sheaves.
Tuesday, August 5, 1873
Hiram & Arthur stacking and carrying sheaves in the forenoon. In the afternoon had to quit work on account of the high winds. Hiram made my cupboards85 and I got my things put away for the first time since leaving Ill. After supper the men went to stacking again and worked until about ten o'clock at night. Ironed in the eve.
Wednesday, August 6, 1873
Hiram stacking for Mr. Osterhout. Weather dreadful warm. In the
evening had some very sharp lightning but no rain. So warm could
not rest after going to bed. ________ very bad. Myself not very
well.
Thursday, August 7, 1873
Hiram stacking for Mr. Osterhout in the forenoon. In the afternoon for Mr. Morgan. Arthur carrying sheaves. Girls taking care of Nellie Morgan86. Quite a shower in the evening just before the men finished stacking. Myself not very well, but knitting.
Friday, August 8, 1873
Hiram and Arthur went on a hunt in the forenoon but got no game.
Mr. Dunnelss family was here. Had _____ chicken fried for dinner.
Rainy part of the day in the afternoon. Hiram went to Savannah
with Mr. Osterhout. Got new papers and meshin for fly netts.
Saturday, August 9, 1873
Hiram stacking for Mr. Awful. Mr. Morgan gone to Freemont87 after a threshing machine88. Girls doing the work, myself, sewing on the house blankets. Mrs. Osterhout came up in the evening. Had quite a chat. Bought some potatoes of Mr. Dunnels, churned89 in the evening. Weather very warm. Thermometer 92 in the shade.
84 I believe this courthouse was torn down approximately 1994. Prefabricated trailers have replaced it, possibly until they build a permanent one.
85This could be the cupboard that is now in the possession of great grandson, Gerald Baer in Las Animas, Colorado.
86Mr. and Mrs. Morgan were apparently unable to care for Nellie. The reason is unclear, however, it is thought there were many children born to Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. The Van Fleet family raised Nellie when she reached 14 years, and possibly other families before that.
87Correct spelling of town is Fremont. Fremont is approximately 40 miles NE of David City along the Platte River.
88A powered machine, probably steam, for separating the grain from the straw or husk.
89A machine for making butter by agitating, by hand, milk or cream.
Sunday, August 10, 1873
Athome all day. Wrote a letter to sister Mary and one to Mrs.
Benton. Hiram wrote to Mr. Benton and Will Best. Arthur wrote to
Edgar Smith, and Eda wrote to Miss. Breniger. Weather very warm,
thermometer 94 in the shade.
Monday, August 11, 1873
Hiram helping Mr. Dunnels thresh. Myself and children at home all
day, sewing all the house blankets. Weather still very warm.
Tuesday, August 12, 1873
Hiram took a load of wheat to Columbus for Mr. Dunnel. Myself and
children churned and did up our work in the morning. Then I knit
the rest of the day. Mr. Morgans folks home in the evening. Hiram
got home about ten o'clock. Weather pleasant.
Wednesday, August 13, 1873
Hiram stacked for Mr. Awful in the forenoon and in the afternoon
we all went to Savannah. Received a registered letter from Henry.
Hiram stacked where Mr. Morgan was threshing and myself and
children went on to post office. Weather pleasant, but quite
warm.
Thursday, August 14, 1873
Hiram threshed for Mr. Misenburg90, got home quite late. Had quite a storm just after he got home. Mrs. Morgan and myself did our washing. Very hot, thermometer 99 in the shade.
Friday, August 15, 1873
Quite cool in the forenoon. Hiram went to the shop got his horses
shod and the well crank mended. Myself and children went along to
Mr. Osterhouts. Staid ther until after dinner then walked out to
Mr. Dunnels. Had been ther but a short time when Pa came after us.
Got a mess of sweet corn and came home. We ironed in the morning
before starting. In the evening bought 16 pound of salt of Mr.
Morgan for two and a half cents per pound. _____ and Mr.
Bartholomew wer here.
Saturday, August 16, 1873
Hiram helped thresh at John Awfuls, got home about eleven o'clock at night, sent to Schuyler with Mr. Osterhout for some groceries. Received on letter from Cornelia and one from Isaac Diemer91. Weather pleasant.
Sunday, August 17, 1873
Went to Church in the forenoon. Stoped at Mr. Osterhouts as we and
read a letter from Agnes. Came home ate our dinner, and in the
evening went to Mr. Dunnels and ate melons. Weather pleasant. Had
a very good class meeting this morning. The test for today was,
"What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose
his own soul".
90Mr. Meysenburg. A biography is in the back of the book.
91Isaac Diemer, Brother of Hiram b.____ d.____
Monday, August 18, 1873
Hiram hauled a load of wheat to Columbus for John Awful. Arthur
went him. Myself and girls at home. In the morning the girls went
down to Mr. Osterhouts. Mrs. Morgan washed.
Tuesday, August 19,1873
Hiram threshed threequarters of a day for Mr. Preston and a
quarter of a day for Mr. Osterhout. Arthur carrying watter. Myself
and girls drying corn. Weather pleasant. Windy in the evening.
Mrs. Morgan and baby, myself and Addie went down in the field to
see the threshing. All ___ home with Mr. Morgan.
Wednesday, August 20, 1873
Hiram threshed threequarters of a day for Mr. Osterhout. Arthur carrying watter. Mrs. Osterhout came up and made me a visit. The first visitor I had in Nebraska. While I was eating dinner got very sick. Was in bed about all afternoon. Mrs. Morgan baked my bread for me. In the evening we went down where they had been threshing and filled a straw tick92. Dreadful windy today. In the evening look very much like rain. Before going to bed went out with Hiram to hold the lantern while he covered the loads of wheat with hay.
Thursday, August 21, 1873
Hiram hauled a load of wheat to Columbus for Mr. Preston. Mrs. Preston was here visiting Mrs. Morgan. I was not feeling at all well. Wrote a letter to Ella Diemer. Had to go down to the corn crib93 to get where it was quiet enough to write. Hiram got home about eleven o'clock at night. Weather pleasant, but mosquitoes dreadful bad.
Friday, August 22, 1873
Hitched up in the morning and we all went down to Mr. Dunnels. Stoped and ate some melons. Then Mr. Dunnels took his family and went down to John Awfuls. Had a real good visit. After dinner Mr. Awful and his family came up and we all went out by the side of the granery and ate melons. Ther was just twenty of us around the board. The melons wer splendid. Started home about three o'clock. Stoped at Mr. Dunnels and got a lot of sweet corn. Came home and built94 and cut it all off that night which took until eleven o'clock. Weather pleasant.
Saturday, August 23, 1873
Hiram hauled a load of wheat to Schuyler for Mr. Bartholomew. Mrs.
Morgan, myself, and children went to Mr. Martins in the afternoon.
Got home around dark. Had a real good visit. Ate all the melons we
wanted. Wind blew awful hard. Weather very warm. When we got home
found Mr. Morgan at feeling rather out of humor.
Sunday, August 24, 1873
Very warm. Went to the courthouse to meeting, but found no one
ther. Had made a mistake in the day. Mrs. Osterhout went with me.
Went around by Mr. Dunnels, got all the melons we could eat and
got home by supper time. Saw some of our neighbors out hunting
having no regard for the Sabbath.
Monday, August 25,1873
Myself and children washed about all day. Hiram maid two bedsteads95. Went down to Mr. Osterhouts in the evening and as he came back stoped at the straw pile and filled a straw tick. Mr. Pope and his family staid with Mrs. Morgan all night. Thermometer today was 80 in the shade.
Tuesday, August 26, 1873
Hiram went to postoffice. Myself and Mrs. Osterhout went down to
Mr. Dunnels to help his wife sew. She was getting ready for camp
meeting. Had all the melons we could eat and had a real good
visit. Weather very warm.
Wednesday, August 27, 1873
Hiram making hay for Mr. Awful. I did my ironing in the forenoon
and in the afternoon mended. Weather very warm.
Thursday, August 28, 1873
Hiram making hay for Mr. Awful. Mr. Morgan went to Mr. Prestons. I
washed then mended the rest of the day. Thermometer one hundred in
the shad. Made yeast in the evening.
Friday, August 29, 1873
Hiram made hay for Mr. Awful until noon. Came home, then we all
went down to Mr. Osterhouts. Found them skinning a Jack Rabbit,
but feeling very sad over the loss of their horse, Cody. Weather
pleasant.
92A mattress filled with straw
93This was a square building with a gabled roof. The sides were slats of wood with gaps of about two inches between them to allow ventilation for the corn.
94Unable to determine the definition of this.
95The framework of a bed.
Saturday, August 30, 1873
Hiram plowed in the forenoon. In the afternoon we all went to Polk Co96. Mrs. Osterhout went along. Started from home at three o'clock P.M. Got to Theodore Cowens about sunset, found their sod house, but no one home. Went to the next house found no one ther. Drove on to the third house and inquired the way to Mr. Burrels. Found we wer out of the way, and had to go three miles further to get ther. Drove on and got ther without any bad luck. Found Theodore ther, Charley Bradley had gone to bed but got up again and we talked over some of our travels to Nebraska. Went to bed for third time in a sod house. Wind blew very hard today. Weather very warm. Thermometer one hundred in the shade.
Sunday, August 31, 1873
Got up about 7 o'clock. Mrs. Osterhout got up but had to go
to bed again with the sick headache. Had it all night. Did not get
up until about four o'clock in the afternoon. Hiram and I
went to Sabbath School with Mr. Burrells folks. Found the house
locked and one of the men had to go for the key. Finally got in
and had school which was composed of 8 men & wimin and four
children. Small school but very nice School House. Went to Mr.
Bramers to see Mrs. Cowan and took dinner ther. Went back to Mr.
Burrells for Mrs. Osterhout. Found her feeling better so we
started for home about five o'clock. Got home about nine.
Feeling I had not spend the Sabbath as I should. Weather pleasant.
Arthur staid all night with Frank Osterhout. Left my blanket and
apron at Mrs. Burrells.
96Polk County is the next County west of Butler County.
Monday, September 1, 1873
Mr. Awful cut hay in the forenoon. Today was the first dinner I
cooked for with hands in the State of Nebraska. Weather
pleasant.
Tuesday, September 2, 1873
Hiram raked hay in the forenoon, and in the afternoon we all went
to the postoffice. Received one letter from Father Diemer and one
from Mrs. Springer, and saw a dreadful large rattlesnake in the
road. Tried to shoot prairie chicken but missed them. Got home
about dark. Mr. Morgan came home with a very sick horse. Weather
pleasant.
Wednesday, September 3, 1873
Hiram helped John Awful stack hay. Arthur went with him and myself
and girls went to Mr. Wrights. We rode with Hiram down to Mr.
Osterhouts then he and I walked out to and helped Mrs. Wright sew.
Made two pair of pants and a dress sleave. Rained a little shower
in the evening. Mrs. Osterhout went home before night. I staid
until Hiram and Arthur came along. Then rode home with them.
Thursday, September 4, 1873
Hiram hauled hay for Mr. Dunnels. He came up here before breakfast
and wanted Hiram to help him and the rest of us to come along and
make a visit. So we all loaded up and went along. Had a good visit
and helped her sew. In the evening came home by Mr. Osterhouts and
found him quite sick. Weather pleasant.
Friday, September 5, 1873
Mr. Dunnels helped us stack hay threequarters of a day. Came here
about three o'clock for ther dinner. Had been working for Mr.
Osterhout. Arthur went to Savannah with Mr. Morgan. Got home about
two o'clock today. I got three dinners, girls and I had toast
and tea for our dinners. Hiram threw up. Mr. Morgans farm today.
Weather pleasant and cool. Hiram and Morgan traded pipes.
Saturday, September 6, 1873
Mr. Dunnels helped Hiram haul hay. Mr. Morgan and family went down
on the valley. Cooked for men without meat butter or syrup.
Something I never did before, but got along nicely. Washed a shirt
and wrote 2 letters to Mary and Ida Grave in the afternoon.
Weather pleasant. Morgan traded his horses on a ___ of ___, and I
had to wait for supper while he cut Mr. Dunnels hair.
Sunday, September 7, 1873
Athome all day. Hiram wrote a letter to his father, and one to
Joseph Best. Mr. Morgans went visiting.
Monday, September 8, 1873
Myself and children did our washing. Hiram went down to Mr.
Osterhouts in the morning to help him haul hay, but he had gone to
Schuyler. Came home, ate his dinner, and in the afternoon he went
out in gulches and got some wood and brush. Arthur and Eda went
with him, and Addie helped me finish my washing. Mr. Morgan and
wife went to Columbus . Weather pleasant.
Tuesday, September 9, 1873
Hiram helped Mr. Awful thresh. Myself and girls baked and ironed.
Mr. March got two letters for Mrs. Martin. Pleasant weather.
Wednesday, September 10, 1873
Hiram helped Mr. Awful thresh in the forenoon. In the afternoon
commenced to mow for Mr. Batholomew. Broke the mower and had to
take it to the shop. Quite late when he came home. Arthur &
Eda took two letters over to Mrs. Martin and brought home a little
sack of tomatoes. In the afternoon, Mrs. Morgan went to Mrs.
Prestons, and I moped and mended. Weather pleasant.
Thursday, September 11, 1873
Hiram helped Mr. Osterhout. Hauled one load of hay in the
forenoon, and in the afternoon helped Mr. Yaw thresh. Did not get
home until about eleven o'clock at night, then had to mend
the trundle bed before we could go to bed. Morgans wer all at Mr.
Prestons, and we do their chores. Eda and I mended socks, all
forenoon. In the afternoon mended dresses. Quite windy all day. In
the morning looked very much like storm.
97Most likely a Quail or Pheasant
Friday, September 12, 1873
Hiram went to Schulyer with a load of wheat for Mr. Yaw. Mr.
Morgan came home from Mr. Prestons about 2 o'clock in the
afternoon. They went down in the valley to visit. Came home quite
late. Hiram came home about dark. Received a letter from Doctor
Benton to wife. Weather strong and windy and cold.
Saturday, September 13, 1873
Hiram helped Osterhout haul hay, and I made a shirt for Mr. Morgan. In the evening Mrs. Osterhout came up and made me a call while her husband and mine wer trying to shoot prairie chickens97. They killed two. Had one for supper. Weather pleasant but cool.
Sunday, September 14, 1873
Athome all day. Hiram wrote a letter to Mr. Marsh. Mr. Dunnels and
family came up a little while in the evening. I was not feeling
well. Mr. Morgan went to Mr. Prestons for a load of wheat. One of
his mules ran off while he was wattering them. Very windy all
day.
Monday, September 15, 1873
Hiram helped Mr. Awful haul hay. Myself and girls went with him
down to Mr.Dunnels'es. Helped her make a pair of pants. Got
home about ten o'clock at night. Brought a big pumpkin home
with us, and stoped at Mr. Wrights and got some fresh pork. Paid
six cents per pound for it. Weather pleasant.
Tuesday, September 16, 1873
Hiram helped Mr., Awful haul hay threequarters of a day. I mended the horse blankets, and knit, and baked bread. Mr. Morgan got home from Seward98 in the afternoon. Hiram got home about eleven o'clock at night. We had gone to bed. Very windy. Commenced a letter to Mrs. Springer.
Wednesday, September 17, 1873
Hiram went down to Mr. Awfuls to haul hay but the wind blew so hard, could do nothing except load one load. Then the horse run away. The fore wheel run over Hirams limbs, hurt one pretty badly. Stud, the black horse had broke the Morgans tongue and threw off the load of hay. Mr. Awful brought him home in the evening. Stoped at Mr. Osterhouts for myself and children. Had been visiting ther all day. Had a good visit. Arthur & Frank went out in the gulches and brought home some grapes and a few Elderberries99. In the evening finished my letter to Mrs. Springer. Quite warm.
Thursday, September 18, 1873
Hiram had to nurse his leg all day. Morgan went to Columbus for
lumber. Sent two letters to the office. Mr. Willey was here all
forenoon. Real cold, had to keep a fire all day. Mr. Dunnell
brought his family up in the afternoon, came after them in the
evening. Arthur went over to Savannah in the afternoon, rode
Barney. Received two letters from brother Frank. Bought one pound
of shugar.
Friday, September 19, 1873
I baked bread in the forenoon. In the afternoon we all went down
to Mr. Awfuls. Found a house full of wimin ther. Made arrangements
to move down ther while they wer gone to Iowa. Came home by Mr.
Osterhouts, found her getting supper while Mr. Osterhout &
Frank wer out hunting prairie chickens. Real cold this morning.
Ther was ice frose a quarter of an inch thick. Rather windy for
September. Today Ms. Popes stoped here for dinner. Frank Osterhout
took dinner with us. I boiled pork and beans and baked pumpkin
pies.
Saturday, September 20, 1873
Hiram went with Mr. Osterhout down in the valley for corn. Bought
shelled corn for 3 cents per bushel. Shot a prairie chicken, had
two pot pies for dinner. Baked some more pumpkin pies. In the
afternoon we all went to Savannah, got the mail and bought some
shugar. Real cold riding. Mr. Bartholemew was helping Mr. Morgans
build a granery.
98Seward is located 25 miles south of David City. It grew from the 1867 prairie settlement on a bend of the Blue River. It is known as America’s small town 4th of July City.
99Commonly used to make wine or jelly
Sunday, September 21, 1873
Athome all day. Frank Osterhout came up for the mail. Mr. Morgans
went visiting in the afternoon. Rainy in the evening. I wrote a
letter to Mrs. Benton. Hiram wrote one to Henry Diemer.
Monday, September 22, 1873
Hiram went down to Mr. Awfuls, borrowed his waggon to move in,
& cleared up my things in the forenoon. In the afternoon we
moved down to Mr. Awfuls. Mrs. Morgans washed in the afternoon.
She gave me a mess of beets. Found all of the family gone when we
got down to Mr. Awfuls. Unloaded our things and went back for the
second load. I went __ for as Mr. Osterhout and staid ther while
the rest went for the balance of our things. Quite late when they
got back. Stoped ther and ate supper. It got so dark we had all we
could do to find our way home. I was almost sick with a bad
cold.
Tuesday, September 23, 1873
Sam Bramer helped Hiram make hay. Myself and children cleaned
house. Mrs. Awful started for Iowa. Sent with Mr. Awful to
Schuyler for groceries. Real cold today. Mr. Awful is staying with
us this week.
Wednesday, September 24, 1873
Hiram plowed on Mr. Morgans farm. I finished cleaning house and
baked bread. Received a letter from Marrietta to Ida Green.
Weather cold and windy.
Thursday, September 25, 1873
Hiram hauled one load of hay for Mr. Awful the plowed the rest of
the day for him. Myself and children washed our colored cloths.
Dreadful windy, could hardly keep my cloths on the bushes. Have no
cloths line.
Friday, September 26, 1873
Hiram hauled hay for Mr. Awful in the forenoon. In the afternoon
helped him dig potatoes. We washed our white cloths. The jug tore
and dirtyed some of them before they got dry. Mr. & Mrs.
Morgan was here a few minutes, wanted us to help them thresh the
next day. Hiram went down to Matt Awfuls in the evening to send
two letter to the office with him to Columbus and to Mrs. Benton
and one to Henry Diemer. Weather pleasant but rather cool.
Saturday, September 27, 1873
Hiram helped Mr. Dunnel thresh in the forenoon. In the afternoon
helped Mr. Morgan thresh. Myself and children baked bread, ironed
and moped in the forenoon. In the afternoon went along up to Mr.
Morgans to help cook. Mrs. Preston was ther. Quite late when we
started home. Stoped a few minutes at Mr. Osterhouts, got our
papers and things that we had left at Mr. Burrells, a blanket and
apron. Mrs. Osterhout had just got home from ther this morning.
Mr. Awful brought in a lot of eggs in his hat and gave them to me
to fry for breakfast. Looked very rainy in the evening.
Sunday, September 28, 1873
Athome all day. Clowdy and rainy about all day. Mr. Osterhout came
down in the afternoon. Mr. Awful went down to his uncles. Real
cold in the evening.
Monday, September 29, 1873
We all went up to help Mr. Morgans thresh. Came home quite late,
when we stoped at Mr. Osterhouts to leave her plates. They wer all
in bed. He was laying in bed and reading Mrs. Preston was helping
cook. Quite a hard frost this morning. Weather very pleasant
through the day.
Tuesday, September 30, 1873
Mr. Dunnell helped stack a half day. About four o'clock in
the afternoon we all went home with him and Hiram helped him stack
hay until about ten o'clock at night, then we came home,
pleasant but cool. Eda went home with Mr. Morgan and did not get
back until dark. Her Pa went after her and met her at Mr. Wrights
coming down.
Wednesday, October 1, 1873
Hiram helped Mr. Dunnels stack hay all day. Myself and children
did our washing. Eda went to Mr. Osterhouts to get the mail but
got none. I made yeast in the evening. Looked very rainy, had to
bring my cloths in before they wer quite dry. Mr. Awful started
for Iowa this morning, left here before daylight. In the evening
his hired had wanted their _____ can, and I could not find it.
Hiram got home about eleven o'clock.
Thursday, October 2, 1873
Hiram and Mr. Dunnels went down on the Platt valley for trees, got
home after dark. Mrs. Osterhout and children wer here all day. Mr.
Osterhout came after them in the evening and took supper with us.
I baked bread and pumpkin pies, cooked onions for Mrs. Osterhout.
Knit and visited in the afternoon. Looked quite stormy in the
evening.
Friday, October 3, 1873
Got up quite late. Hiram mended his waggon tongue, ate an early
dinner, then went off to Mr. Morgans. Hiram to plow. Myself to
help her sew. Arthur staid with Frank Osterhout. Got back ther
just as they wer eating dinner. Mrs. Osterhout was very tired, had
been washing using the consentrated lye which had made her hands
very sore. I was sewing on Nellies flannel cloths. Weather cold.
Made yeast after we got home. Am having very good luck baking.
Eda Diemer, 15 years old
Saturday, October 4, 1873
Hiram plowing up at Mr. Morgans. I baked bread and pumpkin pies, boiled beets, did our cleaning and ironing. Had mush100 and milk for supper. In the afternoon Arthur and Eda walked to David City for the mail. Received a letter from Joseph Best. Got some letter paper. Could get no vinegar. They rode home with Matt Awful. When Hiram came home in the evening he brought me a letter from sister Cornelia which Morgan had got at Savannah the night before.
Sunday, October 5, 1873
Athome until about 4 o'clock, then we all went down to Matt
Awfuls and came home by moonlight, then Hiram wrote a letter to
Joseph Best & one to brother Frank. I wrote a few lines to
Euta, got very sleepy, and went to bed before Hiram got through
writing. Weather quite cool.
Monday, October 6, 1873
Hiram plowed all day at Mr. Morgans. Arthur picked potatoes for
Mr. Morgan. Myself and girls did our washing and ironing. Quite
late when Hiram got home. Spent the evening knitting. Weather
pleasant.
Tuesday, October 7, 1873
Hiram took the letters up to Mr. Dunnelses before breakfast to
have him carry them to Schuyler. Made breakfast for him, then when
he came he had ate his breakfast with Mr. Dunnels. Moved back to
Mr. Morgans today. This evening they started for Wisconsin at a
quarter till eleven o'clock. I baked bread after I got up to
Mr. Morgans. Aunty Bartholemew was here all afternoon. Mr. Willey
went with Hiram after the chickens, and was very windy.
Wednesday, October 8, 1873
Hiram plowing. I spent about all day putting things to rights.
Very tired. Weather pleasant.
Thursday, October 9, 1873
Hiram went to the center to get his plow sharpened. The rest of us went with him as far as Mr. Osterhouts. Got home about noon. Hiram plowing in the afternoon. Children snapping101 corn. Myself mending in the evening. Went down to Mr. Osterhouts to see the big prairie fire which was burning between here and Mr. Flynns. It was grand but fearful night. Weather pleasant
100A boiled cornmeal dish.
101Breaking corn off the stock.
Friday, October 10, 1873
Hiram plowing in the forenoon. Myself baking. Children snapping corn just after dinner. We see the prairie fire coming down to us from the north. Backfired and watched until the danger past, then the men went to keep it off the school house. Mr. Willey and Mr. Morgan saw the fire and came on a run to help us. Do not think we could have saved the house without their help. In the evening went to David City to hear a temperance lecture and joined the Lodge102. About one o'clock when we got home. Weather pleasant.
Saturday, October 11, 1873
Hiram plowing in the forenoon. Myself and girls did up the work,
and in the afternoon we to Savannah and the children snapped corn.
Received one letter from Will Best, and Eda one from Mis Bremser
telling us she was at Seward. When we got home went to the field
and picked up a load of corn. Eda got her feet full of sand burs,
had to get on the waggon. Baked a custard for supper. In coming
from Savannah we came through the prairie fire in two places.
Weather pleasant but cool.
Sunday, October 12, 1873
Went to Church in the forenoon. Children staid at home, but came
and met us at Mr. Osterhouts. As we came back, got dinner, then
commenced a letter to the Green girls. Eda wrote one to Miss
Bremzer in the evening went to the boast (?) house to hear
Dr. Brown lecture. Thought he did real well. Saw on our way home a
very big fire in the valley which made it quite bright. Weather
pleasant but cool. On our way to the lecture stoped for Mrs.
Osterhout, but she was having sick headache and could not go.
Monday, October 13, 1873
Finished my letter to Marrietta & Ida. The children snapping
corn. Hiram plowing until four o'clock. Went down to Matt
Awfuls after pork. Myself and girls stoped at Mr. Dunnelses and
staid till they got back, then we visited a while. Got home about
eight o'clock. Saw Mrs. Osterhout at Wrights as we went down.
Weather pleasant. Sent a grist of wheat and corn, and my letter
with Mrs. Dunnels to Schuyler, or rather took them down for him to
take tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 14, 1873
Hiram salted the meet in the morning, then took his plow to the
shop. I went with him to Mr. Osterhouts, left the children at
home. Did not get home until four o'clock. Met the children
coming down. They did not know what was keeping us so long. Baked
bread after I got home. Got done about ten o'clock in the
evening. Hiram worked at his waggon tongue in the house. Received
a letter from Henry Diemer with brother and sister Campbells
picture. Very windy all day. Sent with Mr. Dunnels for coffee.
Wednesday, October 15, 1873
Hiram went after his plow in the morning, and Mrs. Osterhout and
children came home with him. Got here just as myself and girls got
through washing our white cloths. She brought up some meal and
wanted mush and milk for dinner, so we had some. They staid until
evening then walked home. Got some wet. Quite rainy afternoon. Did
not get my cloths out to dry. Burned with a spoon today. Was about
fine minutes after.
Thursday, October 16, 1873
Hiram plowing. Addie hunted up a _____ rope and we used it for a
cloths line. Put out our white cloths then washed our colored ones
in the forenoon. Misty all day. Did not hang our colored cloths
out today. Intended to got to prayer meeting but thought it to
dark and rainy. Heard of several getting lost. To night quite
cool.
Friday, October 17, 1873
Real rainy in the forenoon. Got up late, saw Mr. Dunnels and
family coming before we had our work done up. They staid until
dinner, then went home. Hiram went to plowing, and myself and
girls managed to get our cloths dry. Dreadful windy in the
afternoon. Baked bread today and did our ironing in the afternoon.
Real tired at night. Mr. Dunnels brought our meal and coffee with
them.
102Masonic order, Fidelity Lodge No. 51, King David Chapter No. 3
Saturday, October 18, 1873
Hiram plowed in the forenoon. In the afternoon went to David City,
and out to Mr. Wests. I finished my letter to Cornelia. After
dinner they went to the field and picked up a load of corn that
the chickens had snapped. Quite cool.
Sunday, October 19, 1873
At home all day. Osterhouts came up towards evening. Hiram and I
took a walk out in the gulches in the afternoon. In the evening
went to the court house and heard Dr. Brown lecture. Mrs.
Osterhout and Mr. Bartholemew went with us. Quite cool coming
home.
Monday, October 20, 1873
Hiram and Arthur went down to the shop and out Mr. Wests in the
forenoon, and myself and girls did our washing in the afternoon.
Hiram plowed and the girls and I did our ironing. Mr. Dunnels and
family came up and spent the evening. Wanted Hiram to help him sod
his stable. Weather pleasant but cool. Made yeast after they went
home.
Tuesday, October 21, 1873
Hiram helped Mr. Dunnels build his stable and we all went along
down with him. In the afternoon Mrs. Dunnels their team and all
the wimin and children went to Mr. Townsends to get fresh pork. He
made me a present of a nice ___ __ rib. When we got back Mary D.
and Arthur took the team and went to Mr. Bramers. We got home a
little late that evening. Very windy and cold. Was sick all night.
Never saw such wind. Arthur came downstairs to sleep.
Wednesday, October 22, 1873
Hiram helping Mr. Dunnels. I baked bread. Was not feeling well all
day. Knitting.
Thursday, October 23, 1873
Hiram helping Mr. Dunnels. Clowdy and cold. Thought it rather dark
and cold to go to prayer meeting.
Friday, October 24, 1873
Hiram helping Mr. Dunnels. Had hard work to find enough to do keep
us from getting lonely. Weather cold.
Saturday, October 25, 1873
Hiram helping Mr. Dunnels. Myself sewing on the girls apron
sleeves. Frank Osterhout was here for dinner. Arthur went home
with him in the afternoon. Misty and rainy all day. Did not go to
lodge.
Sunday, October 26, 1873
Athome all day. In the afternoon went to the lecture. Mrs.
Osterhout went with us. Mr. Awful came for his cow. Hiram went to
the post office. Received a letter from sister Mary. This morning
saw considerable snow on the ground. Pleasant in the evening.
Monday, October 27, 1873
Hiram went to the blue river for wood. Very blustery and cold all
day. It was almost eleven o'clock at night when he got home.
Arthur and Addie went to bed. Eda sat up with me until Pa came
home. The wind blew so hard we could not keep warm in our
house.
Tuesday, October 28, 1873
Hiram helping Mr. Dunnels. The girls went with him and myself and
Arthur visited at Mr. Osterhouts. Gave me a nice squash. Weather
moderating but still cold. Was knitting today.
Wednesday, October 29, 1873
Hiram helping Mr. Dunnels until noon. We all went down ther with
him. In the morning they worked a short time at the stable, then
butchered a hog. On the way down we crippled a Jack Rabbit but did
not get it. After dinner Hiram and I went to David City, bought
some things for myself and Mrs. Osterhout. Real windy and cold.
The children staid at Mr. Osterhouts while we went to the
City.
Thursday, October 30, 1873
Hiram helped Willey put up his sod house or dugout out.
Myself and children at home all day. Cold and windy.
Friday, October 31, 1873
Hiram started to Schuyler, got as far as the river, could not
cross. Got home about sunset. Arthur was with him. Quite cold all
day, but not stormy.
Saturday, November 1, 1873
Hiram got all the way to Schuyler today. Myself and children did
our washing and ironing. Mrs. Osterhout and her boys came up in
the afternoon. Was very tired when night came. Weather more
pleasant. Hiram got home about eight o'clock. Brought our
grist home.
Sunday, November 2, 1873
Athome all day. In the evening went to the Court House expecting
to hear Father Dresser lecture, but he came to late. Dr. Brown
filled his place and did it well. Weather rather pleasant. Mrs.
Osterhout went with me. Hiram wrote a letter today to Joseph Best.
When we came to go home from the lecture found a ____ of ___ meet
in our waggon.
Monday, November 3, 1873
Hiram went to David City and rented Dr. Browns form103. As he came home Mrs. Osterhout hailed him and came and came home with him after dinner. Hiram to Mr. Dunnels, plowed the sod for our house and we sewed at our cradle thing for Jessie & Gracie. This is Jessies thirty birthday. Very windy today. Frank Osterhout came after his mother in the evening. Hiram made our door and window frames.
Tuesday, November 4, 1873
Had our ___ today to haul sod for our house. Had 4 men. Mrs.
Osterhout helped me cook for them. Mrs. Write was here visiting
all day. Got supper for all, but had no more than Mr. Osterhout
folks for supper. Arthur and Eda done up the supper work. Weather
pleasant.
Wednesday, November 5, 1873
Mr. Dunnels helped Hiram all day on our house. Came here for dinner, brought home some lard104 they had borrowed. Weather very pleasant. Was sewing at the little quilts.
Thursday, November 6, 1873
Hiram and Mr. Dunnels working at the house. Myself and children
went down with him as far as Mr. Dunnels. Staid ther all day, and
in the evening left the children ther and went with them to prayer
meeting at the Court House. Was but six of us ther. About two
o'clock when we got home. Clowdy but not cold.
Friday, November 7, 1873
Hiram and Mr. Dunnels working at our house. Myself and children
did our washing and ironing. Weather pleasant but windy.
Saturday, November 8, 1873
Mr. Dunnels helped at the house an hour or two. Hiram worked till
noon, came home and he and the girls went to Savannah, got shugar.
Mrs. Bob Martin here and made me a visit. Weather pleasant. Quite
warm.
Sunday, November 9, 1873
Hiram went to meeting in the forenoon. Myself and children staid
at home. I wrote a letter to sister Mary. In the afternoon Hiram
wrote a letter to Dr. Benton. In the evening went down to hear Dr.
Brown lecture. Mrs. Osterhout went with us. Saw Mr. & Mrs.
Bartholemew at Mr. Osterhouts. Weather pleasant.
103Unable to determine what this was.
104Internal fat of the abdomen of Pigs. Used to insert strips of fat in meat before cooking.
Monday, November 10, 1873
Hiram went down to Mr. Dunnels to go with them to Columbus, but
was a little to late. They had gone. Came back, hitched up and
went with his team and got lumber for the roof of our house.
Myself not very well. Weather very pleasant. Myself and girls
mending all day at Hirams flannel cloths. Eda got very tired of
it.
Tuesday, November 11, 1873
Hiram and Arthur went out to work at our house. Myself and girls
went to Osterhouts. Mrs. Batholemew was ther having her wrapper
made. The wind blew so hard they could not work at the house, so
they came after us before we got one of our quilts quilted. Stoped
until after dinner, then came home through a dreadful storm of
wind. Wind blew very hard all night.
Wednesday, November 12, 1873
Got dinner very early, then Hiram and Arthur went to work on the
house, and myself and children walked over to Mr. Prestons. Found
her washing. Had a good visit. In the evening Arthur and his Pa
came after us. Weather pleasant. Got a letter from Mr. Morgan.
Thursday, November 13, 1873
Mrs. Osterhout was here all day. We wer sewing at Jessie &
Gracies cradle things. Hiram and Arthur went out in the gulches,
got a load of brush in the forenoon. In the afternoon went out to
work on the house. The girls went with them. Weather pleasant.
Friday, November 14, 1873
Hiram working at the house. Myself and girls did our washing and
ironing. Very windy, had some trouble to keep our cloths on the
line till dry. Eda went down to Mr. Dunnels in the evening and got
sour milk and one pound of butter. Rode home with her Pa and
Arthur. Weather pleasant toward evening. Addie received a letter
from Euta Diemer
Saturday, November 15, 1873
Hiram, Arthur, and Eda went out in the gulches for a load of brush
while Addie and I did our Saturdays work. In the afternoon we all
went out to our new house. Hiram was putting on the new roof.
Myself and children trimming brush. When we got home baked biscuit
and potatoes for supper. Weather pleasant.
Sunday, November 16, 1873
Athome all day. Hiram wrote a letter to Henry Diemer and one to
Mr. Morgan. I was in bed part of the day. Had tooth ache and was
not feeling at all well beside. Very windy in the forenoon, but
got quite pleasant towards evening. Went to bed very early.
Monday, November 17, 1873
Got up in good season. Mr. Dunnels came up before it was hardly
light for Hiram to help him butcher. He went right after breakfast
and Arthur went with him, then went from ther to David City to
(send) some letters to the office, and got his Pa some
tobacco. The wind blew dreadfully all day, but was not cold. They
got home a little before night and brought a liner of yeast with
them. Cooked some for supper.
Tuesday, November 18, 1873
Very cold and windy all day. Hiram spent past if the day mending
buckets, and in the evening went to David City for the mail. I
received a letter and shirt pattern from Marrietta Green. As he
come home Mr. Osterhout sent some butter up to me. Had warm bread
and butter and tea for supper.
Wednesday, November 19, 1873
Hiram and Arthur at work at the house. In the forenoon came home
for dinner about one o'clock. After we had eat ours got to
get around pretty lively as they did not want to wait long. In the
forenoon I trimmed the girls winter hats. In the afternoon cleaned
my lard stand out and melted and strained some of the lard.
Weather pleasant.
Thursday, November 20, 1873
Hiram plowed in the forenoon. In the afternoon, went out to work
on the house. Myself and girls worked our colored cloths in the
forenoon and ironed and mended in the afternoon. Quite late when
Hiram hot home. Quite cold and windy all day.
Friday, November 21, 1873
Hiram plowed in the forenoon, and myself and girls did the balance of our washing. Arthur got watter and wood for us, and banked up the house. The hogs killed one other chicken today. In the afternoon Hiram and Arthur went out to work at the house and I rode with them as far as Mr. Dunnelses. The girls staid at home, did up the work, brought in the cloths, then came down. Mr. Dunnels and Mary wer husking corn105. Weather very pleasant
today.
Saturday, November 22, 1873
Hiram went out to the house, staid all forenoon. Myself and girls baked bread, ironed, moped, and got dinner. In the afternoon Pa went down to Mr. Osterhouts. Heard ther that ther was no mail at David City so he went no further. The girls and myself spending some of the time playing Jack Straws106. Rainy and cold all day. Rather dreary.
105Removing the dry outer covering.
106Better known today as Pick Up Sticks
Sunday, November 23, 1873
This day brings sad memories. Just one year ago today our little babe107 left us for a better world······. At home all day. Mr. Osterhouts came up in the evening brought us some fresh meat. Frank O. staid until we went down to the lecture. Arthur went to Savannah for the mail. Received a letter from sister Eliza. Hiram wrote one to Will Best, and one to Harrison Deimer. Weather pleasant. Got supper after we came home from the lecture.
107Referring to Lola. I believe she must have been about 4-6 years of age. Date of birth: unknown.
Monday, November 24, 1873
Hiram helped Bartholomew husk corn all day. Arthur took some letters to the post office. Staid at Mr. Osterhouts until after dinner, then spent the balance of the day at Mr. Bartholemews. The constable108 was here after George Morgan109. I am no(t) having
much of anything to do. Weather pleasant.
Tuesday, November 25,1873
Hiram plowing all day. I went to Mr. Bartholomews to help his wife sew. The girls staid at home and got dinner for their Pa. In the evening they came with their Pa to bring me home. We brought home some pork and Mr. Bartholemew gave the girls some apples. Weather pleasant. Arthur went to post office, got but one letter, and that was from the City blacksmith110.
Wednesday, November 26, 1873
Hiram plowed all day. I finished a pair of pants for Will
Bartholomew. Weather rather pleasant.
Thursday, November 27, 1873
We all went down to Mr. Dunnelses to a Thanksgiving dinner. Left
the children ther and went to the Court House to meeting. The
minister did not come so we had prayer meeting and came back. John
Awful & Mr. Willey and family wer at Mr. Dunnelses to help eat
the turkey. Had a real good dinner and a pleasant time. This is
the first Thanksgiving we spent in Nebraska. Got home about dark.
Quite cold when I went to unlock the door. Found a note in the key
hole left ther by Mr. Bartholomew, want Hiram to go with him for
wood the next day.
Friday, November 28,1873
Hiram & Mr. Bartholomew went up the river for wood. One of our
young chickens got killed today. Mr. Osterhout and Frank came up
to grind their ___. Arthur choped wood all day. Real blustery and
cold. Hiram got home at half past ten o'clock P.M. We had all
lain down and got to sleep before he came. Heard him drive up, got
up and had his supper about ready by the time he got his team
taken care of. He got a good big load of wood, and 12 nice little
cedar trees to set out on our house. Thermometer stood this
morning at 9 below zero.
Saturday, November 29, 1873
Hiram killed one of our pigs today. Arthur went down to Mr.
Osterhouts got their sausage grinder and we made a little sausage.
Arthur was about sick all day with the tooth ache and a bile on
the back of his neck. Myself unwell. Weather real pleasant all
day. I moped after supper and Hiram sat up until about midnight
mending. Eda baked bread today.
Sunday, November 30, 1873
Athome all day. Hiram wrote a letter to Morgans. Went down to the
lecture in the evening. Heard Mr. Dresser. His went from Genesis
to Revelations. Mrs. Osterhout went with us. Weather real pleasant
and warm.
Monday, December 1, 1873
Hiram went to Schulyer. Myself and girls washed our cloths. Frank
Osterhout was here for dinner. Arthur was feeling so bad he could
not play with him much. Hiram got home about sunset, brought me a
letter from brother Cyrus. Found our goods at Schulyer, sent them
on to Columbus. Had been laying ther about six weeks, owing to a
mistake in the name made by the agent at Council Bluffs. Ther is
such a miserable way of crossing the river at Schuyler that Pa
thought best to ship them to Columbus. Warm but misty about all
day. Sent Jessie her dolls bed today.
Tuesday, December 2, 1873
Stormy all day. Mr. Dunnels was visiting us all day. Snowed and
blowed hard all day. I went down to the stable to feed the
kittens, twas all I wanted to do to get to the house again.
108Policeman
109George Morgan, homesteaded near David City. The 80 acres had a house on it, but the place didn't have a barn, so he kept his horses at the Thayer place, a neighbor to the west.
110One who shod horses and other work with Iron.
Wednesday, December 3, 1873
Weather quite pleasant. Hiram gave his note to Mr. Preston. Went
to Mr. Osterhouts, took dinner ther. The girls went to Mr.
Dunnelses. Walked from Mr. Wrights, then we went around that way
when we went home.
Thursday, December 4, 1873
Weather rather stormy and cold. At home all day.
Friday, December 5, 1873
Rather a rough day. Washed our white cloths. Hiram had a lame
back, was at home and in bed part of the day. Baked bread
today.
Saturday, December 6, 1873
Hiram went to Columbus and got our goods. Snowed about all day.
Got home a little after dark, unpacked our goods and did not get
to bed until almost midnight. Got material to finish our house,
and some thread.
Sunday, December 7, 1873
Went to Church in the forenoon through snow about eight inches
thick. Went in the waggon. The children staid at home and had
dinner almost ready when we got back from meeting and while we wer
eating dinner Mr. Dunnelses folks came up. Staid until evening.
About dark it began to rain. Had to bring my cloths in still
frozen.
Monday, December 8, 1873
Hiram made a sausage stuffer. I hung out part of my cloths, but
the wind blew so hard had to bring them in again. Spent the day
and part of the night in getting ready to butcher.
Tuesday, December 9, 1873
Mr. Dunnels and wife came up and helped us do our butchering. Eda
want down ther and took care off the baby (Hattie). In the evening
her Pa went down and brought her home. Weather pleasant for
winter.
Wednesday, December 10, 1873
While we wer eating breakfast. Mr. Bartholemew came in a brought us the mail. Received one letter from brother Frank, and one from Henry Deimer, and one from Mrs. Benton. Arthur received a roll of Sabbath School papers from Freddie Diemer111. After reading our letter we went to work at sendering (?) our lard. Mr.
Dunnels and wife came up and wanted us to move down with them that
day offering to help us get ready to go, so we went to work, and
by dark we all landed at Mr. Dunnelses. Robert Martin took his
dinner with us today. He said that was the first sausage he had
saw in Nebraska. Weather clowdy but not cold.
Thursday, December 11, 1873
Spent all day finishing up our butchering. Weather cold, rainy in
the evening. Hiram & Mr. Dunnels to Mr. Morgans after our pig.
Could not get it. Very tired tonight.
Friday, December 12, 1873
Today we built and ground our mince meat. Spent the day putting
things to rights. Pleasant winter weather.
Saturday, December 13, 1873
Baked bread, pumpkin pies, and donuts. Mr. Osterhout & Mr.
Davis came after the sausage grinder. Felt real lonely in the
evening. Weather pleasant. Hiram went to the bleu for wood.
Sunday, December 14, 1873
Athome all day. I wrote a letter to Marrietta Green, and Hiram
commenced one to Henry Diemer. Took mine to the office in the
evening when we went to the lecture. Weather pleasant.
Monday, December 15, 1873
Mr. Dunnels butchered six hogs. We helped them all day. Mr. Heales
wer here on a visit. One of their little girls fell down stairs.
Not seriously hurt. Weather pleasant.
111Probably a cousin of Arthur Diemer.
Tuesday, December 16, 1873
In the grease and dirt all day. Men at home. Thermometer 10
degrees below zero. The coldest day we have had so far. Trying all
day to get things straightened up. Cant see my way through
yet.
Wednesday, December 17, 1873
Today myself and girls did a big washing. Gatherd snow and had
soft watter. Hiram went up to Mr. Morgans with Mr. Preston to get
his wheat. Quite late when we got through washing and was very
tired, but went to the lodge. Had a very pleasant time.
Thursday, December 18, 1873
Helped Mr. Dunnels dress112 81 chickens. Got done about the middle of the afternoon, then cleaned up the floor, then rested ourselves. Mr. Willey came over to go to prayer meeting, but none of us went so he went home again. Quite cold.
Friday, December 19, 1873
Mr. Dunnels and wife, Hiram and myself went to Columbus. Started
about sunrise. Got home about an hour after dark. Found a dressed
turkey in the road on our way home. Mr. Dunnels got six cents per
pound for their chickens. Weather pleasant until evening when it
grew quite cold. This was my first trip to Columbus.
Saturday, December 20, 1873
Hiram working at his sled all day. I did my ironing in the
afternoon. Mr. & Mrs. Dunnels and myself went down to John
Awfuls a few minutes. Went by Mr. Osterhouts and took their
sausage grinder home. Weather pleasant.
Sunday, December 21, 1873
Went to Church in the forenoon. Stoped with John Awfuls until the
lecture Eula was with us, the other children wer at home. Arthur
came with them to the lecture, but Addie staid at home. Weather
pleasant.
Monday, December 22, 1873
Mrs. Dunnels and myself went to Mr. Osterhouts on a visit. Mr.
Dunnel took us ther and came for us in the evening. Arthur went
with us and Mrs. Dunnels took Hattie. The other children staid at
home. Hiram working at his sled. Weather clowdy, not very
cold.
Tuesday, December 23, 1873
Mrs. Dunnel prepared her mince meet in the forenoon. In the
afternoon I ____ my pie timber(?) In the evening we baked our pies. I baked 9 (nine). After the children went to bed Mr. Dunnels scoured113 the floor. Pleasant winter weather.
Wednesday, December 24, 1873
In the forenoon we baked our cakes. In the afternoon __ ___ __ __ evening we all went over to Mr. Flynns to a Christmas tree. On our way over we stoped at Mr. Osterhouts and I helped her get her things ready for the tree. This was the first tree we seen in Nebraska. Very pleasant weather. Has a pleasant time.
Thursday, December 25, 1873
Mrs. Dunnels & myself got up a Christmas dinner. Mr. John Awful & family and Mr. Osterhout and family took dinner with us. This to me has been a lonely Christmas. One year ago Lola was full of life and mirth114. Today she is in the cold grave. (Not Lola but her body). I trust she is spending her Christmas in Heaven······.
Friday, December 26, 1873
Mrs. Dunnels and myself did our washing. Hiram & Mr. Dunnels
went to the timber for wood. Weather cold and blustery. They got
home about three o'clock and was very cold.
112To behead, pluck, gut, and prepare for eating.
113Cleaned by rubbing
114Merriment and laughter
Saturday, December 27, 1873
Hiram went down on the valley to get cain (?) for Mr.
Morgan. Did not get my __ finished. The girls aprons got through
about ten o'clock at night. Weather cold.
Sunday, December 28, 1873
Hiram and Mr. Osterhout went down on the valley. Myself and
children staid at Mr. Osterhouts till they came back. Mr. Flynns
and Mr. Bartholemew came ther in the evening. Went to the lecture.
Weather pleasant.
Monday, December 29, 1873
Did my ironing and baked mince pies. Mr. Risings came over to
visit Mr. Dunnels. Staid over night. In the evening we went to the
Court House to meeting. Weather pleasant for winter. Hiram working
at our window casing.
Tuesday, December 30, 1873
Hiram still working at the windows. I went to Mr. Osterhouts and
had her help me fit the girls dresses. Did not get quite done. Mr.
Rising went home this afternoon. Weather cold and windy. Took some
mince pies and mess of potatoes over to Mrs. Osterhout.
Wednesday, December 31, 1873
Mrs. Dunnels did her washing. I finished the girls dresses. Hiram
and Arthur out working at the house. In the evening we went to
lodge. As we came back John Awful gave us a comickle invitation to
attend an oyster supper at his house next evening. This is one on
the most pleasant winter evenings I ever saw. Went to lodge in
sled.
Thursday, January 1, 1874
Hiram & Mr. Dunnels went to the Blue for wood. Warm and quite
summer like all day which spoiled the sleighing. The men got home
about three o'clock, ate their dinners, then we all went down
to John Awfuls to the oyster supper. Had quite a lively time.
Weather very pleasant. Got home about 11 o'clock. It was so
warm that the chickens could play outdoors by moonlight.
Friday, January 2, 1874
Hiram working at the house. I did my washing in the evening. The
Deer Creek folks came over and went to meeting with Mr. Dunnels.
We did not go. While they wer hitching up, Mr. Dunnels'es
horses got frightened and started to runaway. Ran into the wood
pile, and one of them got past and fell. Weather sun(?) and
windy.
Saturday, January 3, 1874
Very stormy and windy all day. Hiram mended boots and shoes all
day. I baked pies and did my ironing and some mending. Very cold
in the evening. None of us went to Church. Had to turn our heads
to the foot of the bed to keep the snow from blowing in our
faces.
Sunday, January 4, 1874
Last night was the coldest we have had this winter. Frose hard in
the house, but is quite pleasant today. Some of the folks went to
Church. The minister was not ther, Dr. Brown filled his place. The
Deer Creek folks staid until evening then went to the lecture. I
staid home and wrote as commenced a letter to brother Cyrus.
Monday, January 5, 1874
Spend the day in mending. Boilt the last of our home meat and made
yeast. Hiram worked at the window sils and door. Weather rather
pleasant.
Tuesday, January 6, 1874
Hiram & Mr. Dunnels went to the Blue for wood. Mrs. Dunnels
and myself baked and filed up for the Lodge supper. Eda and Addie
went to Mr. Osterhouts and got the mail. Received one letter from
Will Best, one from Henry Diemer, and one from sister Mary.
Weather warm but it is quite wet and muddy.
Wednesday, January 7, 1874
Hiram mending Eda'es shoes in the forenoon and went up to Mr.
Morgans to attend to his hogs. The rest of us getting ready to go
to the Supper. We all started from home about three o'clock.
Got over ther about the first ones. I worked from then until about
eleven o'clock. It seems to me I never was so near tired out.
Had a very pleasant time and a real nice supper. Mrs. Coon and
myself, Hiram, and Mat Awful, staid in the supper room and got
everything in readyness while the rest wer in the Hall witnessing
the installation of Offices. About one hundred and twenty five
(125) persons took supper. Got home about midnight. Weather
pleasant. No accident that I know of except Schuyler Brown had a
painful wound infected with a fork tine (?) while in a
scuffle for more pickels.
Thursday, January 8, 1874
Today Charley Bradley & wife and Orle Cowin and wife made us a
visit. When they started from home we all went out to see our
house. Mr. Dunnels'es folks went down to John Awfuls on a
visit. Weather pleasant. I feel the effects of my work at the
supper last night. Did not go to meeting this evening. Mr. D. and
Mr. Willey went on foot.
Friday, January 9, 1874
Mrs. Dunnels and myself went to Dr. Browns on a visit. Staid until
meeting time in the evening. Mr. Dunnels and Addie went home and
took the baby, (Hattie), then came back to the meeting. Court was
in session at the Courthouse so we held our prayer meeting at Mrs.
Stephens'es. Weather pleasant. Mrs. Stroud visited with us at
the Doctors. Has a real pleasant visit.
Saturday, January 10, 1874
Mrs. Dunnels and myself did our washing. Mr. Gather___ and Glady
called and took dinner. We enjoyed their visit very much. Hiram,
Arthur, and Mrs. Dunnels went to meeting but court was in session,
so they had no meeting. Went to the store and did some trading and
came home. While they wer gone, I did some ironing and baked my
bread. Am not feeling very well. Weather pleasant for winter.
Sunday, January 11, 1874
Went to Church this forenoon. Heard Brother Worldly preach. Had a
very good class meeting, came home. Mr. Ed Townsend and wife and
Mrs. B. Townsend staid for dinner. Had quite a sing while we wer
getting dinner. In the evening Mr. Dunnels and Arthur and Eda went
to the lecture. Hiram wrote a letter to Henry Diemer, and got four
more redy for the office. One to Cyrus, one to Eliza, one to
Frank, and one from Eda to Ella Orth. Weather pleasant.
Monday, January 12, 1874
Didmy washing. Went to Church in the evening. Weather pleasant.
Hiram went to the postoffice and to the shop to get his horses
shod. Came home and worked at his table. Weather pleasant.
Tuesday, January 13, 1874
Didmy ironing and other work as usual. Baked pies. Hiram finished
our table. Weather cold and blustery. Did not got to Church this
evening.
Wednesday, January 14, 1874
Went to Lodge at four o'clock PM. Staid to meeting. When we
got home had quite a confab with Dunnels. He got quite envisted
(?) so we dropped the argument. Pleasant weather.
Thursday, January 15, 1874
Weather cold. Hiram went to David City and took myself, Mrs.
Dunnels, and Mrs. Willey to Mrs. Coons. Staid ther until meeting
in the evening. Had a good visit.
Friday, January 16, 1874
Weather cold and rough. Hiram working at our cupboard. Mary
Dunnels complaining with a sore eye.
Saturday, January 17, 1874
Cold and windy. Hiram and Arthur went to David City. Myself and
girls went as far as John Awfuls. Hiram came back ther in the
afternoon. Took dinner and went from ther to meeting at fore
o'clock PM. to give place to the Grangers to hold their
installations. Staid and seen the performance as it was a public
affair. Received a registered letter from Cornelia. After we got
home I baked a store full of mince fries. Brother Worldly and
Brother Streeter wer at Brother Awfuls. Had a real nice visit.
Sunday, January 18, 1874
All went to Church out Meary (?), myself, Arthur, &
Addie. Quite stormy before they got home. Addie got dinner while I
was writing letters. Finished one to Mrs. Benton and wrote one to
Cornelia. Arthur wrote one to John Coldwell.
Monday, January 19,1874
Hiram went to David City to get his horses shod. Eda and Addie
went to Mr. Bramers. I baked 12 mince pies and some cookies. Dr.
Brown came over to see Mary Dunnels. The folks went to Church and
left myself and Addie to take care of Mary and the children. Mary
was very sick all evening. Weather pleasant.
Tuesday, January 20, 1874
Hiram commenced work on his stable. Addie and Mrs. Dunnels cannot
agree much longer. Girls walked out to where their Pa was at work.
Oh how I wish I had a home of my own, if it was nothing more than
a dugout and small at that. Weather pleasant.
Wednesday, January 21, 1874
In the morning Hiram took us over to Robert Martins, then worked a
while on his stable. Went down to Mr. Balls, came back to Mr.
Martins about three o'clock. Got warmed up then went to the
Lodge. The girls stoped at Mr. Flynns __ until after Lodge. Lodge
met at four o'clock. Got home about seven o'clock. Got
supper, washed each of the girls an apron, and went to be about
nine o'clock. Rather cold.
Thursday, January 22, 1874
Myself and girls walked over to Mrs. Osterhouts. Hiram on his
stable. Eda'es little gray kitten followed us part way and we
have not seen it since. Had a good visit. Hiram came for us in the
evening. Stormy towards night. Wish I had a home.
Friday, January 23, 1874
Took our old sheet iron stove, (the one we used on our journey), out to Nebraska, and we all went out to our house. Had no chimney and but one joint of stove pipe. Liked to had our eyes smoked out and suffered some with the cold, but managed to cook enough to eat both for ourselves and Mr. Willey who was helping us. But still we rather enjoyed it. On the way home in the evening Hiram frose his nose. Mr. Willey, Mr. Dunnels, and Arthur walked to meeting at the court house. The two Mr. Risings115 came home with them. Weather more pleasant in the evening.
Saturday, January 24, 1874
Mr. Dunnels and the two Mr. Risings went down to the Perkins
School House to a quarterly meeting. Hiram working at his stable.
In the afternoon Mrs. Dunnels walked over to Mr. Willeys. Eda went
with her. Then rode home with Hiram. I did a little working and
ironing. Hiram got Mrs. Townsends stove and put it up in our
house. Weather quite pleasant.
Sunday, January 25, 1874
Weather pleasant. Hiram wrote a letter to John Thompsons. All went
to meeting in the afternoon except for Mary and their
children. Brother Worldy and Streeter came home with us.
Monday, January 26, 1874
Went to Church in the forenoon, then went down to Mr. Stephens and
staid until evening meeting. Mrs. Dunnels, Arthur, and myself
staid ther. Mr. Dunnels took their children home and brought our
girls back to meeting in the evening. Weather pleasant Hiram at
work on his stable.
115Biography in back on both Mr. Risings
Tuesday, January 27, 1874
I did my working, had bad luck. Cloths line came loose, let some
of the cloths down in the mud and watter. Was horrid looking
things and frose fast when I found them. Eda & Addie went down
to John Awfuls and got some sweet milk. Rained, so they got some
wet coming home. Cleared off in the afternoon and Mr, Dunnels and
wife went over to Mr. Willeys to see Annie Townsend. Received a
letter from Henry Diemer, and Arthur one from John Caldwell. Hiram
and Mr. Bartholemew up on the river for wood. Pa at home about ten
o'clock, got his supper and went to bed about eleven
o'clock. I baked custard fries.
Wednesday, January 28, 1874
Didmy ironing and baked bread. Brother Lathrop came to Mr. Dunnels took dinner, went to Mr. Willeys, came back and staid all night. Hiram and children wer out to our farm. Was no meeting tonight in the Lodge. Did not meet until candle light. Mr. Dunnels & wife, Hiram and myself went to Lodge. Mr. Lathrop, Mary, and all the children staid at home. Said they had a good prayer meeting. Eda and Mary baked my bread after we went away. Weather pleasant. Mrs. Coon was obligated to night. More life in the dimishion116 than ever before. Had some visitors and speeches.
Thursday, January 29, 1874
We all went out to our farm and spent the day. Got dinner for Mr.
Townsend & Mr. Wiiley. They wer helping Pa with his stable.
They worked quite late and hard. Got very cold. Found a cold house
when we got to our stopping place. Went to bed cold and did not
get warm all night. Hiram is working to hard for his own good, but
what must a person do to have some kind of place they can call
home. This morning to our surprise and delight, we have a fresh
cow.
Friday, January 30, 1874
Hiram and Mr. Willey still at the stable. The children out at the
house. Myself baking bread and fixing to move. Very rough and
cold. Mr. Dunnels'es all went over to see Anna in the
afternoon. Mary, Hattie, and myself at home.
Saturday, January 31, 1874
Today we moved into our new place117. Can any one imagine how happy I am to get a home of my own. Be it ever so homely, ther is
no place like Home. Today Addie is nine years old. We worked until
midnight, then went to bed without getting things put in their
place. Mr. Willey helped until late in the evening. Weather rather
cold.
116Dimension?
117This was a sod house. Later, they had a very nice single story wood home.
Sunday, February 1, 1874
Athome all day. Stormy in the morning, but cleared of very
pleasant in the afternoon. Mr. Willey came over to see of we wer
going to David City to the lecture this evening. Could not go. Eda
is having a hard time with the ear ache. It is almost eight
o'clock. The children are all in bed. Pa is laying on the
floor. Snowing while I am sitting by the stove filling my
journal.
Monday, February 2, 1874
Hiram fixed up my little cupboard right after breakfast. Then went
down to Mr. Darmuths and bought a load of corn for 4 cents per
bushel. Got home about one o'clock. Then went over to Mr.
Dunnelses and got the pigs and chickens. Got home about dark. Mr.
Willey & Townsend came over and spent the evening. Myself and
girls trying to straighten up. Cooked black beans for dinner. Mr.
John Awful came up to borrow sacks. Cold south wind all day.
Tuesday, February 3, 1874
Hiram and Mr. Willey went up on the river for wood. Got home a
little after dark. Had a very big load of willows. Quite cold and
chilly all day. I baked bread and cleaned up and tried to put
things to rights.
Wednesday, February 4, 1874
Hiram and Mr. Willey hauled a load of straw for Mr. Willey, then a
load of hay, and a barrell of watter from Mr. Dunnelses. Ate
dinner about two o'clock, then all hands went to David City
to attend Lodge. Myself and girls stoped at Mr. Flynn's.
Staid ther until after Lodge. Got home about half past eleven.
Commenced snowing about eight o'clock. Was snowing good to
strong when we came home.
Thursday, February 5, 1874
Snowed all day. We made heaming (?) & Hiram commenced plastering in a muss118 all day. Snow fell to a depth of _____.
Friday, J February 6, 1874
Hiram plastered all day. Mrs. Dunnels'es stoped on their way
over to Mr. Willeys. After dinner chickens found us all in a ____.
I baked bread. In the evening Hiram, Arthur, and Eda went to Mr.
Dunnels'es for watter. Eda staid ther while Arthur and his Pa
went to Mr. Morgans to feed their hogs and chickens. Addie and I
cleaned up while they was gone. Weather more moderate.
Saturday, February 7, 1874
Went to washing & about eleven o'clock Mr. Osterhout and
family came over. Put away my washing, and finished it after they
went away. Did not get through till quite a while after dark.
Hiram mending his boots until about eleven o'clock PM. Went
to bed feeling real tired. Weather quite cold.
Sunday, February 8, 1874
At home all day. Mr. Dunnels called on us. Weather very pleasant.
Mr. Willey here about all afternoon. Hiram wrote a letter to Henry
Diemer. I wrote one to sister Mary.
Monday, February 9, 1874
Hiram & Mr. Willey hauled one load of straw on our stable. In
the evening, plastered. Arthur took the letters over to the post
office, rode Barney. Quite cold and windy in the afternoon. Felt
quite unwell.
Tuesday, February 10, 1874
Hiram plastered in the forenoon. In the afternoon he and Arthur
brought a load of hay from Mr. Dunnelses. The girls and I did some
washing in the afternoon. Mr. Willey came over in the evening.
Wednesday, February 11, 1874
Hiram and Mr. Wiiley spent about all day trying to get a load of
hay down from Mr. Morgans. Had Mr. Willeys oxen. Had bad luck,
broke the steal tongue. Had to unload their hay and come home
without any. Then had to hurry to get it fixed up in time for the
Lodge. All hands went to the Lodge and left the children and Mr.
Dunnels'es. Mrs. Willey called in the forenoon. Pleasant
winter weather.
Thursday, February 12, 1874
Hiram at work in his stable. Very windy and quite cold. Mr. Willey
& Hiram went to David City to prayer meeting, to the store.
Was no meeting, stoped at Mr. Dunnels'es as they came home
and got a barrell of watter. Almost frose when they got home.
While they wer gone, myself and Eda made our things for the yearly
fair and festival.
Friday, February 13, 1874
Hiram & Mr. Willey hauling hay. In the evening made their things for the fish pond.About one o'clock today, two Indians came in our house and one of them , a Pawnee Chief119. Never can I forget how I was scared. Hope I never shall see an other one. They wer very civil. Ate dinner while they wer here.
Saturday, February 14, 1874
Hiram and Mr. Willey hauled one load of hay in the forenoon while
the girls an myself very busy baking pies and cakes for the
festival. Started from house about half past two PM. Had a real
pleasant time, but hard work. Got home about twelve o'clock.
Very windy and cold when we came home. Received a letter from John
Thompson.
118Disarranged, out of order.
119The Pawnee Indians inhabited what is now Nebraska. They engaged in frequent war with neighboring tribes, but never with the U.S. government. In fact, they were allied with the whites in efforts to control the raids by the Sioux, Cheyenne, Comanches, and other Native Americans. Most of the Pawnee land was south of the Platte River that would have included Butler County. The Pawnee name comes from the Caddoan word “parik”, meaning “horn”, describing their unique hairstyle.
Sunday, February 15, 1874
Went to Church in the forenoon. Came back as far as Mr. Osterhouts
and stoped ther until evening. The girls found Morgans out at the
Courthouse, brought him home with them. Weather very warm and
pleasant.
Monday, February 16, 1874
Hiram finished hauling his hay for Mr. Morgans. The children and
myself over melting snow about all day. Bob Martin took dinner
with us. Weather pleasant.
Tuesday, February 17, 1874
Hiram hauled one load of straw and one load of hay for Mr. Willey,
then they went to David City, got home about seven o'clock.
Received one letter from brother Cyrus and one from Father Diemer.
The girls and myself washed our colored cloths and one blanket.
Weather pleasant, baked bread.
Wednesday, February 18, 1874
Hiram went to Columbus with Mr. Osterhout & Mr. Flynn. Stormy
in the afternoon. Mr. Willey came over in the evening. Hiram got
home about sunset. I spent the day mending Hirams coat.
Thursday, February 19, 1874
Hiram plastered in the forenoon. In the afternoon he and Mr.
Willey commenced digging our well. Got down about six feet.
Weather cold. I mended a bed blanket and made yeast.
Friday, February 20, 1874
Hiram and Mr. Willey went to Columbus got a box of goods for Mr.
Willey, and brought a load of wood home with them. Mrs. Dunnels
and children made us a visit. Mr. Townsend sent us some beets. In
the evening Mr. Townsend and wife came over with their oxen and
waggon to take their box of goods home. Weather pleasant.
Saturday, February 21, 1874
Stormy all day. Hiram plastering. Quite cold. Baked pies, was not
feeling well.
Sunday, February 22, 1874
Athome all day. Cold and stormy. Mr. Willey came over after as
much wood as he could carry home on his back. Took dinner with us
then. Started home with his wood on his shoulder.
Monday, February 23, 1874
Quite cold. Hiram plastering. Myself mending and straightening
up.
Tuesday, February 24, 1874
Cold. Thermometer down to zero. Hiram plastering. Myself baking
and mending.
Wednesday, February 25, 1874
This is my thirty third (33) birth day. Hiram finished plastering.
Myself and girls commenced to wash when Mrs. Osterhout came. Put
away our washing and had a good visit. Hiram took her home in the
evening. We all went along and had a sleigh ride. Pleasant but
cold. Thermometer 2 above zero. Today I opened the can of fruit
Mrs. Benton gave me when we started for Neb.
Thursday, February 26, 1874
Hiram & Mr. Willey went up on the river for wood. Got home
about nine o'clock PM. Pleasant weather today. Myself and
girls finished working. Raveled(?) out two pair of ladies
stockings and am making one pair of them.
Friday, February 27, 1874
Hiram finished his well. I baked bread and pies. Mr. Willey and Ed
Townsend came over and got part of the load of wood in the
evening. Across the gulch with the oxen they got into a bad place.
Oxen fell down and waggon upset. Eda & Addie wer in the waggon
but got out without getting hurt. We papered some in the evening.
Arthur went over to Mr. Osterhouts on Barney and got some new
papers.
Saturday, February 28, 1874
We worked hard about all day to finish papering and got things put
in their places. About five o'clock in the evening we started
for David City. Mr. Willey went with us. Got no mail. I ironed and
mended after we got home, Worked until twelve o'clock.
Weather quite warm. Roads sloppy.
Sunday, March 1, 1874
Weather very pleasant and warm. Went to Church in the forenoon.
Stoped at Mr. Dunnels as we came home and staid until evening. Mr.
R. Townsend had just got home from Omaha the night before. Roads
quite muddy.
Monday, March 2, 1874
We got up this morning about half past two o'clock. Hiram and Mr. Willey went to Schuyler to mill120. Myself and children went with them as far as Mr. Osterhouts. Found them all in bed except for Mrs. Osterhout. Got home about nine o'clock PM. Weather clowdy and warm. Roads muddy. I sewed at Mrs. O dress today. Had bean soup for dinner.
Tuesday, March 3, 1874
Hiram went down in the valley to look for a stove and seed wheat.
Got neither. Came back by the postoffice. Got some Sabbath School
papers sent to the children from Euta and Freddie Diemer. I boiled
the last of my mince fries today and washed a blanket and colored
cloths. Snowed and blowed quite hard for an hour or two in the
afternoon. Came off pleasant towards evening. I have baked one
hundred and one ____ pies since the 23 of December 1873.
Wednesday, March 4, 1874
Hiram running about all forenoon. Myself and children washed our
white cloths and baked bread. Mr. Morgan and family and Mrs.
Willey was here in the afternoon. Went to Lodge in the evening.
Left the children at Mr. Dunnels'es. Weather damp and clowdy.
Snowed a little before we got home.
Thursday, March 5, 1874
Hiram & Mr. Flynn went to Columbus and got our stove. Paid 35
dollars for it. Weather very warm and pleasant. We ironed, washed
the windows __ ___ ____. The men got home about seven, 7
o'clock.
