Transcription of Tom Brown's 1871 Diary

Berlin Township, Steele County, Minnesota

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1871 - Tom Brown's Diary

 

January 1 Sunday

We went to meeting Elder Bronson preached Charles came back as far as Mussars and stopped We went to meeting again in the evening Elder Perkins Preached.

 

January 2 Monday

I cleaned out the shed today Elder Bronson came here this after noon and visited the school We had a meeting down to this school house in the evening. The dogs chased our cattle while we were in the school house.

 

January 3 Tuesday

We found that one of the cows broke her leg last night we supposed when the dogs were chasing her. So we got Lewis Burns to come over here and help me butcher it I afterwards went up to D T Gordons after a pig for L. Burns and took it over to his house. Mrs Mussar came over here to day.

 

January 4 Wednesday

Mrs Mussar came over here today & washed for mother. We all went over there in the evening.

 

January 5 Thursday

Very cold I went to Geneva and got my Horses shod I paid Shad $5.00 to day.

 

January 6 Friday

I cut a little wood in the fore noon in the afternoon I drew 2 loads of wood. Charles, John & Fred went over to Mr Mussars this evening.

 

January 7 Saturday

Stormy this morning Mr. Porter Sheldon & wife made us a visit today. He bought a fore quarter of Beef at 5 cts per pound and we are to take our hay in Norway oats at $1.50 per bushel. John and Fred went over to Mr. Culvers to see Verna as he has been gone 6 years.

 

January 8 Sunday

Charles went to Owatonna with Alice Mussar I went to Quarterly meeting down to Lemond I paid .50 cts today towards paying the presiding elder. Charles is 26 years old to day.

 

January 9 Monday

We cleaned up a load of wheat at noon in the evening we went over to the other School house to a singing school but the Teacher did not arrive Mr. Melvin came here to night.

 

January 10 Tuesday

Very warm it melted most all the snow off Mr. Melvin stopped here last night to collect Taxes. I went to Owatonna today & sold 30 bushels of wheat at .96 cts per bushel Received 28.80 to day I bought $3.95 worth of goods at Auction I spent in all $12.65 to day Bought at Kellys on credit $3.20 I took Mr. Sheldons beef to him to day.

 

January 11 Wednesday

It rained to day Mr. D. T. Gordon & wife & Mr. Kinney and wife made us a visit. I went in the woods & chopped & piled wood in the forenoon. Mrs. Mussar also came here.

 

January 12 Thursday

It snowed all day I drew wood for the school house & for the house. I fixed the cutter and went up to Duanes and Dwight Gordons with it. Mrs. Mussar stayed here last night and all day.

 

January 13 Friday

I cleaned out the shed I hitched up Jessie on the cutter and led him over the bars and he started with it and struck a stump and broke the thills out. Mrs. Mussar went home tonight.

 

January 14 Saturday

Josiah Hemingways folks came here to day also Elder Perkins & wife, Ella Hemingway staid here tonight.

 

January 15 Sunday

We went to meeting & S. School. Elder Bronson preached in the morning. Mother & I staid to Mr. Foxes until evening meeting Elder Perkins preached this evening.

 

January 16 Monday

I went over to Calvin Hemingways and sold him a fore quarter of Beef 61 1/2 lbs at 5 cts per pound. The School from the other Neighborhood came up here to visit Charles's school this afternoon. We cleaned up a load of wheat this morning

 

January 17 Tuesday

Cold. I went to Owatonna with a load of wheat. Stored 40 2/3 bushels. I spent $10.18 besides $15.08 Personal property tax. I received 2.40 cts for a Cow hide It is Frederick Browns Birthday he is 14 yrs old.

 

January 18 Wednesday

Cold. I cleaned up a load of wheat in the evening

 

January 19 Thursday

I went to Owatonna with a load of wheat. Stored 48 1/6 bushels & spent $1.05 25 cts was for James Chase Catarrh Snuff & sold a load of wheat for Fox 21 1/2 bus at $1.00 per bushel. The beef I let Porter Sheldon have weighed 72 lbs. at 5 cts per pound I got 5 1/2 bushels of Norway Oats at $1.50 per bushel. I took Mr. Mussar 72 lbs of Beef to day at 6 1/2 cts per lb

 

January 20 Friday

John & I cleaned up a load of wheat Old Mr. Fredenburg & Ro Fredenburg came here to day after a couple cattle which came here last summer they paid me $2.00 for keeping them I went with mother over to Elder Perkins's a visiting.

 

January 21 Saturday

Charles went to Owatonna with a load of wheat Stored 43 bushels. I worked on the cutter. I let Charles have $3.00 this morning.

 

January 22  Sunday

Stormy We went to meeting & I went again in the evening.

 

January 23 Monday

I went to the Dane Blacksmiths with the cutter he charged 50 cts for fixing it. Mrs. Skinner & Maud came home with me. Mother went up to Duane Gordon's visiting. The boys cleaned up a load of wheat this evening.

 

January 24 Tuesday

I went to Owatonna with a load of wheat. Stored 30 1/6 bushels. I spent $1.02 to day. Mrs. Skinner staid here all day. Charles let me have $1.25 to day.

January 25 Wednesday

I chopped wood in the A.M. Mr. Skinner came here to day after Mrs. S-r There was 4 couple came here to night and surprised us Miss Warner, Miss Cusick, Miss Steele, Miss Cheney, Mr. Charles Babitt Mr. Frank Steele, Mr. Soelan Woodward, & Mr. Burke Sage

 

January 26 Thursday

I cut some wood for the school house & drew it up and drew some up for my house. We went to a prayer meeting in the evening

 

January 27 Friday

I put a shoe on the sled and then cleaned the shed. I took mother up to Dwight Gordon's in the forenoon Charles and I went up to Mr. Gordon's and spent the evening.

 

January 28 Saturday

Charles & I fixed the calf stable and cleaned it out. Mr. Culvers folks came here to day and made us a visit also Mrs. D. T. Gordon. We all went to a sining school over to Mr. John Culvers in the evening. We cleaned up a load of wheat after we got back,

 

January 29 Sunday

I went to meeting & Sunday school in the day and to meeting in the evening. Markus Samuelson paid me .70 cts for corn he got here last fall

 

January 30 Monday

I went to Owatonna with a load of wheat Stored 37 5/6 bushels I spent $1.25 to day. I stopped to Mr. Greys when I came home

 

January 31 Tuesday

I went up to the Norwegian settlement after a hired girl but got none Mr. Mussars folks came her to day.

 

February 1 Wednesday

I chopped some wood to draw up to the house. I went over to Mr Barretts and got Julia Barrett. Mrs J. D. Gordon came here to day. Mr Hugh Murray and Mr Sheldon an In's Agent came here and took supper We went to a Cheese Factory meeting in the evening over to the other school house

 

February 2 Thursday

I chopped and drew up some wood for the house and cleaned up a lot of wheat be hind the mill. Charles and Julia and the other boys went to meeting in the evening We cleaned up a load of wheat after they got back. It is my birth day to day age 24 yrs

 

February 3 Friday

Very Pleasant I went to Owatonna with a load of wheat Stored 34 1/2 bushels I spent $1.15 cts to day.

 

February 4 Saturday

Very pleasant Mr Fox & his wife and Hall and wife came here to day and visited. We all went to a sining school up to D. T. Gordons in the evening coming back we run horses with Charley Reynolds and beat him.

 

 

February 5 Sunday

Charles, Julia and I went to meeting Elder Richardson from Waseca preached. Charles and I went to Mr. Culvers and took tea and staid until evening meeting.

 

February 6 Monday

I drew wood for the house. I went up to Duane Gordon and borrowed 13 lbs of salt. Julia & I went to singing school in the evening with D.T. Gordons folks.

 

February 7 Tuesday

Mother and I went over to Mr Greys and made a visit

 

February 8 Wednesday

Stormy. One of the scholars broke the dasher to the pump and I fixed that.

 

February 9 Thursday

I cleaned out the cow shed to day.

 

February 10 Friday

We went to a Sunday school singing school over to Mr. Sages.

 

February 11 Saturday

Mother, Charles & I went over to Calvin Hemingways a visiting. Charles had a spelling school in the evening.

 

February 12 Sunday

We went to meeting, then went over to Porter Sheldons and stayed until eveing meeting.

 

February 13 Monday

I got a load of ice, took mother up to D.T. Gordons so as she could visit with Chases folks John & I cleaned up a load of wheat. John, Julia Charley Gordon & I went to a singing school this evening.

 

February 14 Tuesday

I went to Owatonna with a load of wheat Stored 30 1/2 bushels I let Mills have storage tickets 71.16 bushel of wheat as security for $40.00 to be paid in a week. I bought Leather and Trimmings for a harness paid $32.50 for it. I traded $1.35 I spent in a $33.85 to day Charles gave me 50 cts to day

 

February 15 Wednesday

I chopped wood all day for the school house. We went to a cheese factory meeting in the evening did not get back until 1 oclock We took Julia Barrett home paid her $4.00 for 2 weeks work.

 

February 16 Thursday

John & I started for Austin with the Pork and a little roll butter. We stopped to Robert J. Cochranes to night. It is Johns birthday he is 19 yrs old I got the forward shoes set on Jessie

 

February 17 Friday

Stormy & Blustering We went to Austin and sold 1242 lbs of pork at 7 1/4 cts per lb I received $90.05 for pork I sold 49 lbs of Butter at 20 cts per lb received $9.80 for Butter I received $99.85 to day I spent 25 cts we came back to Mr Cochranes

 

February 18 Saturday

We got home about 3 oclock to day I settled up with Mr Schar paid him $2.65 I went to a cheese meeting in the evening I bought an ax helve of Mr Buckley for 30 cts I paid in all $2.95

 

February 19 Sunday

We went to meeting and Sabbath school

 

February 20 Monday

It snowed about 6 inches very light snow. I drew 1 1/2 cords of school wood. I helped Mr Mussar clean up a load of wheat. I then got the Butter Tubs ready and loaded them

 

February 21 Tuesday

I went to Owatonna with the Butter. I paid Mills $40.00 borrowed money with 25 cts interest. I spent in all 60 cts to day

 

February 22 Wednesday

I went up to Duane Gordons to have him sign an order for the money on the School house wood. Albert Farnsworth brought us 20 bushels of Norway Oats we traded him a saddle, Bridle and martingals for 8 bushels. We now owe him $15 dollars I went over to Lewis Burns he paid me $24.00 for school house wood. We went to a cheese factory meeting in the evening

 

February 23 Thursday

I went to Owatonna with D. T. Gordon and Mr Fox I started home afoot I got a chance to ride 6 miles with a German It commenced raining and blowing so I stopped to a Dutch mans over night. I spent 50 cts to day

 

February 24 Friday

I got up in the morning and went to Mr P. G. Sheldons and took breakfast I staid there awhile got home at noon. We all went over to Mr Raljah Sheldons to a singing school. Mother went up to Duane Gordons and staid in the evening. It is Jefferson D. Browns Birthday he is 9 yrs old.

 

February 25 Saturday

Charles went to Owatonna I let Charles have $80.90 this morning he borrowed $300.00 of Mr Grey

 

February 26 Sunday

We went to Sunday School in the A.M. We went to meeting in the evening.

 

February 27 Monday

I commenced chopping the summer wood. I took mother over to Mrs. Banks's she is very sick. I came home and drew some straw to put under the sheds. I went over to singing school in the evening.

 

February 28 Tuesday

I chopped a little wood. Mr. Greys folks came here to day and made us a visit I went to singing school in the evening. Mr Charley Gordon & Miss Viola Sheldon was married to day

 

March 1 Wednesday

I chopped wood for the house in the evening we went to a Cheese factory meeting.

 

March 2 Thursday

I chopped and drew up wood. We went to meeting in the evening. Mother went over to Mrs Banks to see how she was. I took Mrs Gordon home from Mrs Banks's.

 

March 3 Friday

Pleasant It is the last day of Charles's school We had visitors to day Mrs Sage & family & Old Mrs Bettschen. We went to a singing school up to Mr Coverts this Evening.

 

March 4 Saturday

We went up to Mr Kinneys visiting to day

 

March 5 Sunday

We went to meeting Charles went home with Charles Babbitt We all went to a Sunday school Concert in the evening. Mr Grey paid me 20 cts for a sunday school paper.

 

March 6 Monday

I drew out 4 loads of manure. We went to a singing school in the evening. We paid Al Farnsworth all up for his oats.

 

March 7 Tuesday

I went to Owatonna Stored 19 1/6 of wheat and drew back 924 ft. of lumber for the cheese factory. I spent $1.85 cts to day I did not get back until 12 o'clock the roads was very bad and muddy I bought a Bridle bit for James Chase paid 50 cts for it.

 

March 8 Wednesday

Foggy. Charles went over to Harrold Nelsons to see Anna Howen to see if she would come here and work. We shelled some seed corn We sold a couple loads of Hay to a man in Lemond, he is going to make a drag for us.

 

March 9 Thursday

Very Blustering We drew some straw under the shed

 

March 10 Friday

I went over to Mussars after the harness to go to drawing wood I got on a load and broke one of the Trace buckles. Charles went down to Skinners this morning after a hired girl got a girl for $1.00 per week. Vena Culver & Coverts children came here to night on their way up to Duane Gordons to a sing it being bad going there was no sing spent the evening here

 

March 11 Saturday

Charles & I drew up some wood John & Fred went over to Culvers. I went over to Mussars in the evening James Chase came home with me and staid all night.

 

March 12 Sunday

We went to meeting & Sunday school. In the evening we went to meeting

 

March 13 Monday

I went to Owatonna after a load of lumber for the Cheese factory I brought up 736 ft I bought some iron for a Drag paid $3.27 cts for it I traded to Donaldsons $130.20 cts which was for Mussar I spent $4.82 cts to day

 

March 14 Tuesday

Rainy Town meeting day only 20 votes polled only one ticket We went to a concert in the evening the last night of the singing school Mr Phips played on the Clarionet, and the Bettschens on their violins I paid 25 cts towards the singing school We had a very good time this evening

 

March 15 Wednesday

Rainy by spells, Mother & Charles went over to Finches. I went over to Lewis Burns's then went from there over to Finches

 

March 16 Thursday

We drew some straw to put under the sheds drew up some wood I chopped some, Charles & John went to meeting in the evening.

 

March 17 Friday

Pleasant in the A. M. in the P. M. it rained some. We chopped some wood & drew some wood up to the house. John went a visiting did not get back to day

 

March 18 Saturday

We went over to Josiah Hemingways visiting. Mr Porter Sheldon & wife went over to Hemingways with us We had a very good visit. John staid to Mr Coverts last night We cleaned up 6 bags of wheat this evening to take to the mill

 

March 19 Sunday

We went to Sunday School to day. There was no preaching. Mother went over to Mussars and staid until we came back from S. S.

 

March 20 Monday

Charles went to Owatonna to day took 13 bushels of wheat to mill. I chopped wood for the house.

 

March 21 Tuesday

Charles got back from Owatonna. Mr Robson came and got the rest of his hay I let him take the iron for the Drag as he said he would take it over to the Blacksmiths. Charles brought the carpenters up to work on the Cheese factory.

 

March 22 Wednesday

John commenced work for us to day. John & I drew wood all day. Lewis Burns came over here this evening. We sold Peter Bettschen $7.00 worth of hay for which he is to work any time in harvest for us when he is not to work in his own grain.

 

March 23 Thursday

Charles, Mother, Jeff & I went over to Porter Sheldons visiting. Cal Hemingway, J. Hemingway, & Coverts folks were all over there. We stopped to Prayer meeting this evening Emma & Etta Sheldon came home with us.

 

March 24 Friday

I got up this morning un well went back to bed and staid all day. Charles went down to work on the Cheese factory laying the foundation he did not get back to night. Mary Mussar came here and staid all night.

 

March 25 Saturday

I felt quite well to day helped do the chars and chopped some wood. Mary Mussar & the Sheldon girls went up to Mrs Kinney Charles got back from the other neighborhood.

 

March 26 Sunday

We went to meeting in the evening. Elder Wheeden preached he preached a good sermon. It was his first sermon in this neighborhood.

 

March 27 Monday

Charles started to O-a this morning with 13 bags of wheat he got within 5 miles of town and he left his load to Mr Bryans and came home as the roads were very bad. We finished chopping all of the wood that was up to the house.

 

March 28 Tuesday

Charles went down to Lemond after a Harrow. Mrs Mussar came over here to day. John & I drew wood all day.

 

March 29 Wednesday

Mr Ralpah Sheldons folks came here to day, also Mr J. D. Gordons folks. I chopped wood all of the forenoon. We have 7 new milch cows

 

March 30 Thursday

We chopped a little wood Charles got of Lewis Burns for school services $48.92 to day. Hugh Murray came here to day for seed wheat we let him have 19 2/3 bushels to day for which he is to pay us the market price in Owatonna when we want to sell it No 1 wheat We cleaned up 8 bags of wheat to take to Owatonna We went to prayer meeting over to the other Neighborhood in the evening. I heard frogs for the first time this year

 

March 31 Friday

Charles went to Owatonna to day. Hugh Murray came here to day after some more wheat he got 20 1/3 bushels. Just enough to make out 40 bushels in all We chopped some wood and sharpened some crotches and stakes I received 10 cts. Clinton Hemingway came here to day after seed wheat I did not tell him whether we could spare it or not.

 

April 1 Saturday

Charles painted the drag, John and I went over to the school section and drew some stones of from the plowing.  We went to quarterly meeting in the afternoon.

 

April 2 Sunday

Rainy, they held the meeting in the cheese factory.  It was not all shingled so it was quite disagreeable.  We went to meeting in the evening, I spent eleven 11cts today.

 

April 3 Monday

Charles painted the sleighs horse rake, etc.  John and I drew manure in the forenoon, in the afternoon I went over to Mr. Loomis's after some barley I bought 12 bushels at 62 cts per bushel $7.48.  Mother and Anna Gordon went with me over to Mr. Kings.

 

April 4

I plowed all day, John drew manure, Charles painted some of the things over again and cleaned up some wheat.  I went to a meeting to see about moving the Burying ground.

 

April 5

Charles, John and Fred went to Owatoma; we got a suit of clothes for John at $14.00.  Lord sold 285 bushels of wheat for us at $1.10 per bushel it came to $313.50.  Charles paid Hale $208.00 and lord $110.98.  Mr. Rulifson came over here, I traded Flora for a horse and gave a note of $40.00.  Mussar borrowed some oats of us today, Edward Grey borrowed 18 bushels of wheat.

 

April 6

Charles plowed in the forenoon.  John, Fred and I drew stones and stumps off from the school section all day.  Charles put in 3 acres of wheat on the school land.

 

April 7

I dragged about 3 acres in the morning.  Then the boys came over and we finished drawing stones in the forenoon.  Charles drilled all day I dragged all afternoon.

 

April 8

Charles Drilled all day and I dragged after drawing out all the old corn stocks.  We finished putting in 18 acres tonight it turned very cold towards night.

 

April 9

Charles & Jeff went to S. School and the rest stayed at home.  In the evening we all went to a Baptist Sunday school Concert and had a very good time.  Charles went to Mr. Fox's so as to get to Owatonna tomorrow.

 

April 10

It commenced snowing this morning and snowed hard all day.  Charles went to Owatonna afoot this afternoon through the storm.  It snowed about 4 inches.

 

April 11

I plowed all day and the boys drew manure.  Charles did not get back today.

 

April 12

I plowed all day and the boys drew manure.  Mrs. Mussar and Alice came over here today.  I took them home at night, Charles got back from Owatoma to night, he rode up with Mr. Kinney.

 

April 13

I plowed about 3/4 of the day.  Josiah Hemingway came here today.  I let him have 10 bushels of wheat for which he is to pay us in the fall and make good the price.  I cleaned up the screening around the mill.  Charles drew manure in the A.M.  In the afternoon he went up to the Norwegian settlement to see if he could buy some cows, he bought 2 cows for $67.50, he brought one of them home with him.

 

April 14

Charles and I went to Owatoma to see about our lawsuit with J.H. Abbott.  It did not come off today as he put it off until the next term of court.  We sold 26 bushels of wheat at $1.12 1/2. cts per bush and 17 1/2 bush at $1.14 per bushel.  He received $43.15 for wheat today.  I spent $1.60 today.

 

April 15

We commenced sowing Norway oats, we sowed about 9 acres, I let Stella Grey have 15 bushels of wheat for his brother Ed Grey.

 

April 16

Pleasant, we went to meeting and Sunday School.  Ellen Hemingway went home today.  Charles and mother went to meeting this evening.

 

April 17

I drilled all day.  I finished sowing the Norway Oats 15 acres in all.  I sowed 8 acres today.  Charles went after the other cow, got back about 2 oclock.  Mr. Irwin Armstrong came here with a horse and took dinner he is a going to stop here this season.

 

April 18

Charles drilled in the forenoon finished sowing the barley 6 1/4 acres, John, Fred and I drew roots and stones off from the Breaking in the forenoon. In the afternoon I Drilled put in 5 1/8 acres of wheat. Stella Grey came here with Mr. Cheney after some seed wheat he said part was for him and part for his Brother he said he would turn his in towards the money we are owing his Brother, or else he would sell some wheat and get the money. We let him have 20 Bushels We sowed about 9 1/2 acres to day. Charles sold Old Bill to Stella Grey.

 

April 19

We had a heavy shower of rain last night. We sowed grain most all day sowed about 6 acres of wheat We commenced slowing on the other side of the creek. It rained a little most all the afternoon.

 

April 20

Showery. It is too wet to sow to day so Charles fixed fence on the other side of the lake. Fred & I drew rails for a cow yard in the forenoon In the afternoon we commenced making the fence. John did not work to day. Mother went over to Mussars with Mrs J. D. Gordon, Mrs. D. T. Gordon, and Mrs Edward Kinney.

 

April 21

It snowed last night just enough to cover the ground. Kit had a colt last night. Fred & I finished drawing the rails for the cow yard in the forenoon in the after noon we took the top off from the calf pen. Drew the timothy hay on to the meadow and drew some stakes and crotches around the fence and drew up some crotches so as to sharpen them when we got time drew out a couple loads of manure from around the house.

 

April 22

I drilled all day and put in most 11 acres of wheat. Flora came back so we put her into the harness and dragged in what I sowed.

 

April 23

Mother & I took our hired girl home to see her folks and then went down to Mr Skinners. We got home between 5 & 6 oclock Charles & I went down to the evening meeting Elder Wheedon preached.

 

April 24

I put in 3 1/2 acres in the forenoon. Charles went down to Capt. Grinaugar to get some Odessa wheat he got 16 bushels at 1.25 per bushel. It rained in the afternoon so we cleaned up the wheat Charles got so as to take out the oats. Sheriff Toker and Dept. Sheriff Hanks stopped here to night on track off a thief. John did not work much to day as he does not feel well Mr. Armstrong stopped here with horse and took dinner.

 

April 25

I sharpened crotches and fixed the pump in the forenoon. In the afternoon I dragged, and Charles fixed fence in the A.M. in the P. M. he Drilled finished on the other side of the creek. Hanks paid Charles 1.25 for stopping here. There was a gentleman and Lady stopped and took dinner and fed horse for which mother received .65 cts

 

April 26

Rainy all the forenoon In the afternoon Charles fixed fence some. We drew out 16 loads of manure to day. Mrs Musker and Mrs Hector Hastings came here to day

 

April 27

Rainy most all day towards night we drew out 5 loads of manure Charles was gone all day up to Duane Gordons He fixed some fence on his way home. I bought a half a bushel of beans of L. Barns. I only paid him 50 cts towards them as that was all the money I had with me.

 

April 28

Charles sowed about 7 acres of wheat. I drew out a few loads of manure and cleaned the stumps of from the plowing in the forenoon. In the P.M. I dragged the breaking crossways. Charles went down to the Cheese factory with Anna Henry & Mira to practice for the concert he drove Charley Gordons team down. Mr Reese got 12 cwt[?] of hay for which he is to pay us $8.50.

 

April 29

Charles Drilled all day and I dragged all day. Mrs and Mr Skinner came her to night to make a visit

 

April 30

I went to meeting Class meeting and the Sunday schools. Mother and Mrs. Skinners folks went up to Mr Muirs a little while In the evening We all went to a S School concert in the Cheese factory I paid 15 cts for missionary society

 

May 1 Monday

Charles drilled on the old place all day In the forenoon I drew stones off from the field and dragged a little I dragged all the P.M. Mr. Rowland came here and got a half a ton of hay he paid us $5.00 and is coming again after 1/2 a ton more. Mr Skinners folks went home this morning I let him have 12 quarts of seed corn and he brought us 25 lbs of meal Armstrong came here this after noon.

 

May 2 Tuesday

The town held an election to see whether the Railroad bonds should be paid or not. Rainy all day. We did not work much to day. I went over to Lewis & Jim Burns with Armstrong to see their colts he left here this P. M.

 

May 3 Wednesday

Rainy and disagreeable Charles & I went to plowing after 10 oclock and plowed the rest of the day. John made a gate for the cow yard in the forenoon in the afternoon he and Fred took 83 bushels of oats from the railbin and carried them into the granary

 

May 4

Charles drilled all day, I plowed a little in the morning then I went to dragging and dragged all day.  Stella Grey came over here and got 3 cwt of hay but did not pay for it today as he had no money. 

 

May 5

Charles finished sowing the wheat about 10 oclock today and I finished dragging before I came up for dinner.  Charles and I plowed the field in the afternoon.  Duane Gordon went to Owatonna today. Charles went up to Duane to do their Chars, as most all their folks are sick.

 

May 6

John and I plowed all day.  Charles went up to Duane Gordons to do some chars as Duane is down to Owatonna.  He took Duanes horse and went down to the Cheese Factory as the Stock holders met to make the bylaws.

 

May 7

I went to S. School Mother went over with us and stopped to Mr. Culver's until evening meeting.  I went to meeting in the evening, Elder Wheedon preached.

 

May 8

I plowed a little in the morning.  Charles & I went over to Buckleys after some Horse mane Oats.  Charles Steele paid us 6 bushels of oats for hay Buckley got of us.  I plowed in the afternoon & Charles sowed oats.  Charles Steele paid me $3.50 for some hay.  Mr Armstrong came here this afternoon.

 

May 9

I plowed in the forenoon and rolled a little Charles drilled in the forenoon in the afternoon.  I finished sowing the oats and John rolled.  Charles loaded up a load of hay to take to town.

 

May 10

Charles went to O-a, John commended to work for Duane Gordon for a few days, as they are all sick I finished rolling the oats ground in the forenoon, in the afternoon Fred and I drew manure

 

May 11

Fred and I drew 22 loads of manure today, Charles got back from O-a this evening.

 

May 12

I drew manure & Charles plowed the garden and planted it.

 

May 13

I drew manure in the forenoon in the after noon I went over to the Cheese Factory to pass laws for the Patrons.

 

May 14

I went to meeting & Sunday school I went over to Mr Ed. Greys after meeting.

 

May 15

I plowed and dragged for corn.  Charles planted the sugar cane and some corn.  Mr. Armstrong came here to night.  Elder Wheedon called on us this afternoon.

 

May 16

I went to Owatoma, took 12 2/3 bushels of wheat and stored it.  I brought up 800 ft. of lumber for Mr Grey.  I spent $13.35 to day, Charles and the other boys planted corn.  I brought up our milk cans.

 

May 17

I plowed up the old cow yard and dragged it in the forenoon.  In the P.M. I sowed some Mangel Wurtzel seed and planted the melons and rolled the corn ground.  Charles went over to Greys and paid him $180.00,  or one hundred and eighty dollars.  Mr. Loveland stopped here tonight.

 

May 18

Charles rolled all day and I drew manure.  Loveland paid his bill in crockery.

 

May 19

Charles rolled all day & I drew manure Mr. P.J. Sheldon an Insurance Agent stopped here to night and we insured $1700.00 worth of livestock against lightning and fire, costing us $11.80.

 

May 20

Mr. Sheldon left here this morning before breakfast.  The boys went a fishing this morning and evening and caught 35 fish.  It was showery to day.  we spread manure in the morning, moved the hogs and drew manure the rest of the day.  Charles rolled in the afternoon.  I sold Mr. Kinney a $1.00 worth of hay.

 

May 21

I went to Sunday School in the morning, in the afternoon we went over to meeting.  Elder Wheedon preached after meeting he baptized Mr. Culver and wife and Mira Gordon.

 

May 22

Charles went over to the cheese factory this morning it started this morning.  I drew manure all day and Charles rolled.  Three young men with their ladies came up to here and  put out their horses they had three span and three carriages I received $1.00 today Mr Armstrong came here this afternoon. John had the tooth ache in the afternoon.

 

May 23

I drew manure all day. Charles rolled part of the day in the afternoon he went up in the Norwegian settlement after a loom in the evening we cleaned up a load of wheat to take to mill

 

May 24

Charles went to O-a to mill. 22 bushels John went over to John Barns to help him raise his house higher I fixed the milk cans and drew out manure It rained some this P. M.

 

May 25

Charles and John with a team worked on the road all day I drew manure. In the afternoon Jim Chase came here and helped me so that we could get our chars done up early and all go fishing. We went down to the lake at half an hour before sundown John and I went around after the boat an old leaky thing and went out a little ways, when the boat sank and we Jumped out and poor Johnny got caught in his fish hook and we could not get him out and so he drowned he was 19 yrs 3 months and 9 days old, We did not get him out until 11 oclock tonight

 

May 26

There was quite a number of people came here to day Mr Mussar went to Owatonna after a coffin this morning got back about 5 oclock to night. Mr Grey & Fox watched to night

 

May 27

The funeral sermon was preached to day by Rev. A. G. Perkins, there was a large number of people there, after the service, we went to the burying ground and deposited his remains.

 

May 28

I went to Baptist S. S. in the forenoon. I went up to Mr Culvers and took dinner and staid until the meeting at 4 oclock Elder Richardson preached

 

May 29

I fixed fence all day Charles with team worked on the road all day

 

May 30

Freddy & I fixed fence & Charles with team worked on the road all day

 

May 31

We cleaned up the last of our wheat this A. M. Mrs Gordon and Elder Perkins and his wife came here visiting to day In the P. M. I fixed the spring and Charles worked in the corn with a Drill

 

June 1

I went to Owatonna Stored 33-5/6 bushels of wheat.  I got Mothers Draft.  I cashed $71.00 I paid the interest on the school land $55.42  I spent 1.40 to day

 

June 2

I worked in the corn all day with a Drill Fred and Charles hoed corn Our hired girl went away today we paid her all up which was $11.50

 

June 3

I fixed fence all day. Charles & Fred hoed corn in the forenoon,  in the afternoon Charles went after a hired girl.  Alice and Mary Mussar came here this afternoon visiting.  Mr. Skinners folks came here this evening, We had a little shower to night.

 

June 4

I went to S. School Mr. Skinners folks went home this afternoon.

 

June 5

I went over to Rulifsons got back about noon.  Charles went after a hired girl and hired one for $1.50 per week for all summer Mr Armstrong came here to night Mrs Mussar made us a visit and staid here to night.

 

June 6

I fixed the calf pen and hoed the Mangel Wurtzel.  Charles went over to visit Alice Mussar's school this A.M. of course he had to take Anna Gordon with him.

 

June 7

We hoed in the Sugar Cane, Charles, Freddy and Jeff went over to the other neighborhood this evening to meet to see about getting up a concert of cows Charles had to take Anna Gordon along and while there C. H. Brown & Lady was elected as committee.  A pump peddlar came along and stopped here over night.

 

June 8

I plowed most all day through the sugar cane and corn towards night we scoured the Breaking plow.  I charged the pump man $1.00 and took it in Yankee Notions, 60 cts the hired girl took.

 

June 9

Charles and I with team worked on the road over in Mr. Foxes road district.  Miss  Rilla Hemingway came home with us to stay a day or two.

 

June 10

I went down to Geneva to get the breaking plough fixed I paid $1.00 for a coal chisel and for fixing the plow I took the old wagon wheels down to get the tire set but had to leave them there.  A gentlemen looking state land stopped here this noon and is going to stop over Sunday.

 

June 11

I went to meeting and Sunday school.  Rilla Hemingway went home when we went to S. S. I paid 30 cts toward Sunday school papers.  The pump man that took dinner with us two or three weeks ago come along to day.

 

June 12

We got our pump fixed this morning, a new barrel and bucket which cost us $4.50.  I charged him $1.75 for keeping and paid him 1.00 and now owe him $1.75.  I found out his name this morning (the gentleman from St. Paul.) which was McCormick he paid Charles $3.00 for stopping and choosing him some land. We commenced Breaking for Mr. Kinney at $3.50 per acre and wait until he raises the first crop on it. We went down to the Cheese factory in the evening to see about boarding the cheese maker and hire more help We hired Gilbert Anderson at $8.00 per month and board Sawyer Boards him for 2.50 per week and Fox Boards Cheney for 2.75.

 

June 13

Charles & mother went to Owatonna Charles sold what wheat he had down there at $1.09 per bushel 46 1/2 bushels.  He bought an Advance Reaper & Mower at $215.00 paying half in a year from now and the other two yrs. from now.  I plowed out corn in the forenoon  In the afternoon I went over to Cal Hemingways after a breaking plow of Charley Steeles

 

June 14

We broke all day.  I received 50 cts for wheat of Mr Hugh Murray We used Mr. Steeles plow

 

June 15

Charles Reynolds came after Steele's plow as he has bought it so we use our plow  We broke all day.

 

June 16

We broke all day.  We had quite a shower towards night  Mrs Philo lawyer & her mother made mother a visit to day.  Freddy & Jeffy went over to visit Miss Mussar's school

 

June 17

We broke this forenoon in the afternoon we went to a ball play down by the Cheese factory.  I went over to Calvin Hemingway's to supper and the other boys came home and done the chars.  I came back to the cheese factory and stayed awhile in the evening and came home with D. T. Gordon.

 

June 18

I went to the Sabbath schools.

 

June 19

We broke until 1 oclock then I went to Geneva to get the plow sharpened and the wagon wheels  We owe Shad $2.50 now.  They cut the first cheese today.

 

June 20

We broke all day.  Mr. Bortchard stopped here to night.  he is around buying cattle.

 

June 21

Jeffy and I went over to Mr. Rulifson's.  It rained quite hard to day.  Charles & Fred went to breaking but rained so they had to stop.

 

June 22

I plowed up the old track in the A.M. In the P.M. we broke.  Mr. Barretts folks came here to day on a visit.

 

June 23

We broke all day.  It was quite showery It rained all night last night.

 

June 24

Fred & I broke all day. Charles went to Breaking with me in the morning and had to go home to help set up a Reaper.  I went down to the Cheese Factory in the evening.

 

June 25

I went to both Sabbath schools and meeting  I came back and had a nap.  Fred & Mother went home with Lena Oleson as she was sick so she could not work.

 

June 26

We broke all day  Mr Armstrong came here the last time.

 

June 27

Charles went to O-a I bought of Mr Nickerson 40 bushels of oats at 40 cts per bushel. Mr Mussar paid me $2.80 for outs he borrowed of us this Spring.

 

June 28

We broke all day. We also cleaned out the well towards night.

 

June 29

We put the pump in the well and went to Breaking.

 

June 30

We broke all day

 

July 1

We broke in the forenoon We subscribed for the Saint Paul Pioneer for one year the agent for the paper stopped here to dinner charged him 40 cts for dinner and horse to oats. I plowed out corn in the afternoon Two Jew peddlers stopped here to night going to stop over Sunday I hired Clinton Hemingway and team 1 month in harvest for $52.50

 

July 2

I went to both S. S. and meeting. Elder Perkins Preached on Baptism he baptized 10 persons 5 were immersed and five with water poured on. Brother Charles was one of the number. Mr Holmes from Geneva came here to night. I paid 10 cts towards sending a delegate to Saint Paul at the Sabbath School convention. I also let Clinton Hemingway have $5.00

 

July 3

I went to Owatonna to get some things to sell on the Fourth I spent $12.90 for the Fourth. I also spent 3.70 besides 50 cts which I spent for Rilla Hemingway. I spent in all $16.60 I also spent 10 cts for lemonade

 

July 4

Holmes & I put up our stand and sold all day I received about 15.25. I paid 60 cts to day.

 

July 5

We picked up things in the forenoon In the afternoon we went to Breaking.

 

July 6

We finished breaking for Mr Kinney and then went to plowing in the corn

 

July 7

I went over to the  Norwegian settlement to get some of their grain to cut. I am to cut for Ole Torgerson 25 acres of wheat, & Jim Torgerson 30 acres, and for another 35 acres at 1.00 per acre and furnish bundle oats for Horses We tried the new mower to day

 

July 8

Charles Jeff & I went to the Circus in Owatonna I spent in all 1.67. Hugh Murray paid me 28 cts for wheat he got here this spring.

 

July 9

I stayed at home to watch cattle.  In the evening we all went to Sunday School Concert.  Morarty came and got a steer we sold him he paid me $25.00

 

July 10

We commenced haying.  Charles went after a hired girl and found one which he is going after tomorrow.  D T Gordon came here and bought 10 bushels of oats at 40 cts per bushel, he paid me $4.00.

 

July 11

I mowed in the A.M. with the mower, the other boys put up hay.  Charles went after the hired girl in the P.M. and Fred & I put up hay.  Charles mowed some when he got back.

 

July 12

I mowed hay all day, Charles and Fred put up hay.

 

July 13

I mowed part of the A.M. and broke a casting to the mower but nothing serious.  I fixed the mower and went to mowing in the P.M. until it looked like rain.  I then helped the boys put up hayrack in the forenoon.

 

July 14

I mowed hay all day, Charles rigged up the old McCormick reaper ready for running in the forenoon, in the afternoon he put up hay.  Fred put up hay all day.

 

July 15

I reaped the barley today, when I got most done I hurt my hand.  I caught it in the reel chain and took it up on the wheel.  Charles and Fred put up hay all day.  I went over to Peter Bettechen's to see Chris and then went over to the cheese factory and came home with D. T. Gordon.

 

July 16

I went to a meeting held by Free Methodists.  They carried on to a great rate.

 

July 17

We drew 14 loads of hay today, Mr. Mussar helped us 1/2 day this afternoon.

 

July 18

We drew 17 loads of hay today.  Mr. Mussar helped all day.  I went over to Sage's after some oats I bought of Rulifson.  I got 30 1/2 bushels at 40 cts per bushel.

 

July 19

We drew 16 loads of hay.  Mr. Mussar helped all day.  Clinton Hemingway commenced work here this afternoon for 1 month with team at 52 1/2 dollars.  I mowed hay this afternoon.

 

July 20

I mowed hay all day.  Mr. Mussar worked all day mowing barley.  Charles put up hay in the afternoon.

 

July 21

I mowed all day.  The boys finished drawing the barley, 13 loads in all and drew 5 loads of hay.  Mr. Mussar worked here 1/2 day.  D.J. Gordon borrowed a bag of oats this morning.

 

July 22

We drew hay with two teams, drew 21 loads.  Mr. Mussar worked all day raking and bunching hay.

 

July 23

I stayed at home today to watch cattle.

 

July 24

It rained last night and all the morning.  I went over to the school section to fix the fence.  It rained very hard this noon.  In the afternoon I went over to the Norwegian settlement to see about reaping their grain.  I went over to Cal Hemingway's in the evening.

 

July 25

Fred, Charles and I worked for Mr. Mussar, binding all day.

 

July 26

I worked in the hay field spreading out hay that got wet in the forenoon.  In the afternoon we drew 9 loads of hay.  Fred and Charles worked for Mussar in the forenoon.

 

July 27

We commenced cutting wheat on the other side of the lake.  Mr. Mussar worked in the afternoon.

 

July 28

We stocked up all the wheat we had cut.  It commenced raining in the afternoon, Mr. Mussar worked about 3/4 of a day.  Clinton Hemingway cut oats for Mussar, Charles went over to Charles Heeles to see if he could borrow some oats, he borrowed 10 bags full.

 

July 29

We went over to the Bettechen about 9 oclock and worked until noon.  In the afternoon I went to Owatonna to see Stowers.  I bought a curry comb and brush for Clinton Hemingway, paid $1.05 for it.  I spent 40 cts for hores and crackers.  I spent in all $1.45.

 

July 30

I went to Sunday School I then went up to Mr. Culver's and took dinner and staid most all the P.M.

 

July 31

Clinton reaped for M in the forenoon.  I went over to Mussars put and put in a new guard and tightened some more.  In the afternoon Clinton and I went over to the Norwegians to take over the reaper.  I went over to Rasick to see if I could get his little boy to ride a horse.  I came back and went over to Mussar's and made out 1/2 days work.

 

August 01

I worked for Mussar all day.  Charles cut in the Norway oats.

 

August 02

We bound all the Norway oats that Charles cut.  We had quite a shower of rain tonight.  Christopher Bettschen and Mr. Mussar worked all day.

 

August 03

We cut 8 acres of wheat and bound most of it.  We did not commence work very early this morning an account of the rain.  Last night C. Bettschen worked for us today, Mr. Mussar worked for us today.

 

August 04

Charles and I worked all day for Mussar, Fred drove on the reaper.

 

August 05

I bound over on the school land, Charles finished cutting Mussars grain.  Fred left home this morning on account of Charles scolding so much at him.  Charles went down to Charles Steeles after some oats and only got 3 bushels.

 

August 06

I went over to Mussar's in the P.M.  In the A.M. I staid at home to watch cattle.

 

August 07

It rained last night and this morning.  Charles went over to Mussars after the reaper, he got back about 10 oclock.  We took the horse off because the sickle would not run.  In the P.M. we cut 7 acres of wheat across the creek and bound most all of it.  Fred got back this afternoon.  Mr. Mussar and Willie, Chris Bettschen and Peter Bettschen worked here in the P.M.

 

August 08

We cut wheat on the other side of the creek.  Peter and Chris, Mr. Mussar and Willie all worked today.

 

August 09

We finished the wheat on the other side of the creek.  Peter, Chris and Willie worked all day.  Our hired girl left today, I paid her $4.00, Charles had gone down to the Cheese factory this evening.  Mrs. Mussar came over here and staid all day, she milked 8 cows tonight.

 

August 10

We finished cutting the Norway oats in the A.M.  In the P.M.we commenced cutting the Odessa wheat and bunching it without binding, then cut some oats.  Chris Bettschen worked here all day.  Mr. Mussar 3/4 day, Willie Mussar all day.

 

August 11

I and Mr. Mussar stacked wheat all day on the other side of the lake, stacked 9 loads.  Chris Bettschen, Mussar, Willie, worked all day, Peter Bettschen 1/2 day.  Mussars oxen worked all day, Clinton Hemingway finished cutting for the Norwegians.

 

August 12

We finished stacking on the other side of the lake.  Mussar, Willie and oxen worked all day.  Chris Bettschen and Peter worked all day, he stacked 7 loads of Norway oats.

 

August 13

I went over to Sunday School and got there too late.  I then went over to Coverts.  We had a heavy shower of rain tonight.

 

August 14

We finished cutting all the wheat on this place.  I fenced around the stack on the other side of the lake.  Mussar worked all day.

 

August 15

We cut wheat on the old place.  Mr. Mussar came over this morning and worked a little and then went home to set his wheat over.  Clinton Hemingway plowed all day.

 

August 16

Clinton worked with team all day for Mussar stacking.  We finished cutting the grain. we then went to bunching it up.  Elva Sage & Alice Mussar came here this afternoon.

 

August 17

Clinton worked with team all day for Mussar stacking.  Charles and I drew 13 loads of Norway oats.  Fred plowed some after binding a few oats.

 

August 18

We finished drawing the Norway oats.  We drew 15 loads of oats and 6 loads of wheat.  Clinton Hemingways time was up this noon.

 

August 19

We drew 16 loads of wheat today.  It was very windy so we could hardly stack.  Mr. Mussar would in the P.M.

 

August 20

I went after a cow that did not come home last night.  I received 80 cts today from Lewis Burns for a calf skin.

 

August 21

It was quite windy today, we stacked 18 loads of wheat.  Mr. Mussar worked all day.

 

August 22

It rained a little last night.  We stacked 16 loads of wheat, finished drawing from the old place.  Mr. Mussar worked all day.

 

August 23

We finished drawing the loose grain dust, 21 loads.  Mr. Mussar worked all day.

 

August 24

We drew 7 loads of wheat and 15 oats making 22.  Mr. Mussar worked all day.  Mrs. Lewis Burns came here visiting this P.M.

 

August 25

We finished stacking grain this A.M., drew 17 loads of oats in the P.M.  I mowed some grass to put on the stacks and topped them off.  Charles set up the mower in the P.M.  We had 15-9 loads of wheat and oats and 13 of barley making 172 loads.

 

August 26

I borrowed 20 bags of oats of Clinton Hemingway.  We weighed them, they weighed 51 2/3 bushels bag and all.  I raked after I got back.  I went over to Mr. Cusicks and got Mary Ann Cusick to come work for us.

 

August 27

Mary Ann Cusick, mother Charles, Jeff and I went to quarterly meeting over by Mr. Rulifsons.  We went to Mr. Sloans and took dinner.  I paid 30 cts towards the contribution.

 

August 28

I went to Geneva with the plows.  It rained so I went to Roswell Heaths and took dinner, I spend 30 cts for a broom.  Charles mowed all day.

 

August 29

Very windy, Jeffy and I went after the cold down to Hartys.  I raked some hay and made some fence around the stacks.  Charles mowed all day.

 

August 30

Very windy, I raked hay in the A.M. in the P.M. I helped drive off some cattle we sold to Morarty, I then came back and went to raking hay.  I received $ 111.10 for cattle.  Mrs. Sheldon is going to stay here to night.  Charles mowed all day.

 

August 31

I raked and put up hay all day.  Charles mowed all day, Mrs. Josiah Hemingway made a short call today.

 

September 01

I raked and put up hay all day.  Charles mowed in the P.M., in the A.M. he put up hay.  Mrs. Covert made mother a visit and stay all night tonight.

 

September 02

Charles mowed a little in the morning and then we put up hay and drew a load up to the horse stable, drew the beans up to the granary.

 

September 03

I went to meeting and Sunday school.  Mr. Mussar and his wife came home with us.  I then went over to Mr. Sages after Mary Ann Cusick who went there after meeting.

 

September 04

I fixed a hog pen for the hogs in the A.M., in the P.M. I went after a hired man.  It rained this morning and heavy wind this A.M.  Charles mowed most all day.  I sold 6 crotches for a shed for $1.50.

 

September 05

I drew 3 loads of hay in the A.M. before it rained then we had a very heavy shower.  We put the reapers under the shed and then I went to Geneva after the plows.  I paid Shad 4.00 for blacksmithing.  I mailed 2 letters, paid the postage on one of them.

 

September 06

I plowed a little and raked some hay in the A.M., in the P.M. I drew 3 loads of hay Charles mowed and put hay.

 

September 07

Very windy, I drew 6 loads of hay Charles mowed and put up hay.  Elva Sage and Mary Gussar came here today and going to stay all night.  Charles went down to the cheese factory to a cheese meeting but was disappointed, as the meeting is tomorrow night.

 

September 08

Very Very windy, I drew 3 loads of hay in the forenoon, in the P.M. I raked and bunched the hay that Charles mowed in the A.M.  Charles mowed about 3/4 of a day and then drew 2 loads of hay.  I drew a load of hay this evening making 6 loads in all today.  I paid Clinton Hemingway $25.00 this morning.  Charles has gone down to the cheese factory.

 

September 09

Charles got 3 bags of wheat from W. Scram for the use of old Bill last fall he also borrowed 7 bags of wheat to take to mill.  I cut corn in the A.M. in the P.M. I sold $7.25 worth of hay to some movers who camped down on the bank of the lake.  Mr. D.T. Gordon and wife got back tonight.

 

September 10

I went to S, S. and got there late.  Mary Cusick and I went over to Summit to Sunday school and meeting.  We went up to Mr. Cusicks to supper.  We got back in the evening.  There is a man going to stop here tonight.

 

September 11

Pleasant, we drew 10 loads of hay today.

 

September 12

Pleasant, we drew 14 loads of hay today.  We did our job of threshing to Walter Muir as follows 2 cts for oats bound wheat and 4 1/4 for loose wheat.

 

September 13

We drew 14 loads of hay today.  Mrs. David Bettschen came here today and going to say all night.

 

September 14

It rained this A.M., in the morning we cleaned up about 22 bushels of wheat to take to mill.  I went over to P. Bettschens after the colt.  We drew 4 loads of hay this afternoon.  Charles took Mrs. Bettschen home this A.M. Mrs. J.D. Gordon came here this afternoon.

 

September 15

We drew 8 loads of hay today it was quite wet this A.M. Fred and Jeff husked corn as the cattle were getting in all the time.

 

September 16

Charles and I drew 10 loads of hay.

 

September 17

I went to Sunday school and meeting.  Elder Perkins preached his farewell sermon.  Rilla Hemingway came home with us today.  I paid 45 cts towards Sunday school papers and superannuated preachers.

 

September 18

I mowed all day.  Charles went to Owatonna to mill and took 22 bushels of wheat, mother went down to Hector Hurtings.

 

September 19

I raked hay in the A.M. in the P.M. I mowed.  Charles went over to Mr. Greys mother went over to Mrs. Sheldon.

 

September 20

Charles finished cutting hay, I went to Owatonna I got 11 bushels of wheat of Stella Grey towards 20 bushels he got of us last spring I stored 11 bushels of wheat.  I spent $4.27 today.

 

September 21

We drew 3 loads of sugar cane up to D.T. Gordon.  I bunched up some hay that Charles raked up yesterday.

 

September 22

In the A.M. we stripped sugar cane.  In the P.M. we drew 6 loads of hay.

 

September 23

We drew 17 loads of hay finished haying.  Mr. Mussar worked for us all day.

 

September 24

I staid at home all day.  Charles and the rest went to meeting in the other neighborhood and over to Summit.  We went to a Free Methodist meeting in the evening over near Rulifsons.

 

September 25

I worked in the sugar cane until 2 oclock then went up to Duane Gordons to thresh.  They threshed 363 bushels of oats Charles and I worked for Duane Gordon thresh.

 

September 26

Charles and I worked all day for J.D. Gordon threshing.

 

September 27

Fred and I helped D.J. Gordon thresh all day.

 

September 28

Fred and I helped E. Kinney thresh all day.

 

September 29

Fred and I helped D.J. Gordon and E Kinney thresh all day and Charles and team drew grain part of the A.M.

 

September 30

I husked and picked corn all day.  Charles and Fred made molasses I went up to Gordons in the evening and boiled down molasses and Charles and D.T. Gordon went to a cheese meeting.

 

October 01

I went to meeting and Sunday school in the evening I went to hear Elder Ladew preach.

 

October 02

We all husked corn all day and went to a cheese meeting in the evening.  Elected Mr. Rulifson salesman.

 

October 03

We husked corn all day.  An agent of Mr. Buxtons stopped here overnight.

 

October 04

I helped John Burns thresh all day.  Charles and Fred worked molasses all day.  Burtons agent stopped here again tonight the boys finished husking the corn.

 

October 05

I was sick in the A.M. in the P.M.  I drew up some longs for foundation to an oat bin with Mr. Mussar and oxen fixed the granary some ?.

 

October 06

I went over to help L. Burns thresh and the machine had not got there yet so I went over to Jim Burns and helped him two or three hours I helped L. Burns in the P.M. in the evening we had to fight fire it burnt up about 3/4 of a mile of fence for us.  Charles, Fred and two teams helped Mussar in the P.M. of fawning mill.  Peddler stopped here tonight.  Charles finished making molasses this forenoon.

 

October 07

Charles with one team helped Mussar thresh 3/4 of day.  Fred helped L. Burns thresh all day.  I went up to see Muir up to Bricks but we had gone home so I went up  there in the A.M. in the P.M. I helped D.J. Gordon on our oat bin.

 

October 08

I staid at home all day to keep the cattle away from the wheat stacks I received $3.00 from Mr. Martin.

 

October 09

It rained last night a little Charles went over to Mussars to help thresh but the threshers did not come so he measured the ground we reapt last night.  I fixed the granary.

 

October 10

We dug some potatoes and covered them and tinkered around in the A.M.  In the P.M. Chas,  Fred and I with two teams helped Mussar thresh.

 

October 11

Charles, Fred and I helped Mussar thresh until about 11 o'clock with two teams.  In the P.M. we threshed Mussar with his man. G. Gordon and George Hammond and team and Mr. Kinney and Gilbert Johnson all worked 1/2 day.  We received news that Chicago was all burnt up.

 

October 12

We threshed all day Mussar and his man, G. Gordon, G. Hammond and team.  Kinney and Gilbert Johnson worked all day.

 

October 13

We threshed all day.  Mussar and man G. Gordon, B. Hammond with team Kinney and B. Johnson worked all day, G. Hammond finished working for D. Gordon.  This noon and commenced work for us this P.M. at six shillings a day.

 

October 14

Mr. Mussar and man Kinney and Gilbert Johnson Lewis Burns with his team and George Hammond worked 1/2 day then it commenced raining and snowing.  Mr. Sheldon and Vena Culver staid here all night.

 

October 15

We went to meeting and heard the new preacher, Elder Liscomb preach.

 

October 16

We threshed all day, Gilbert Johnson 3/4 day, Mussar and his man all day, John Burns and his team all day, George Hammond all day, Lewis Burns hired man all day.

 

October 17

We finished threshing about 9 oclock this morning.  George H. G. Mussar helped this morning.  We had 756 bushels of wheat 1,112 bush of oats and 178 1/2 of barley.  We cleaned up a load of wheat to take to Owatonna and put-out a half mile of fence which took fire. 

Wheat-$30.24, Oats $22.24, Barley $5.35, Total-$57.83

 

October 18

Charles and Mary Ann Cusick went to Owatonna this morning.  I worked for D.T. Gordon plowing to pay for what work he has done for us.

 

October 19

We fixed fence around the house and hay stacks.

 

October 20

Charles and I settled up, I took Mr. Foxes oats home.  We cleaned up a load of grain.

 

October 21

Charles and I went to Owatonna with a load of wheat.  Hickman drew up a written statement of the agreement made between Charles and I, he charged 1.00 I spent 75 cts for dinner and horse keeping.

 

October 22

I went to meeting and heard Elder Wheedon and Elder Liscomb preach.

 

October 23

I left home, took 7 bags of wheat home to William Scram which we borrowed of him.  I took ad job of drawing 200 bushels of wheat for Mr. Schaefer at $3.00 for every 40 bushels, I drew and he furnishes oats for my horses and board myself.

 

October 24

I went to Owatonna with a load of wheat for Schaefer, 44 1/6 bushels I bought, 24 bags to Lords for $10.00.  I staid at home tonight.

 

October 25

I went over to L. Burns after my wagon box, I then went over to Mr. Rulifsons and cleaned up a load of wheat.  I then went to Geneva to get my horses shoed, but did not for Shad was so busy.

 

October 26

I went to Geneva and got my horses shoed cost me $3.00.

 

October 27

I went to Owatonna with a load of wheat for Schaefer.  41 1/8 bushels.  I run in debt to Lords for Buffalo coat.  Horseblankets, cloth for shirts about $28.00 I paid 70 cts to Winship for stopping twice.  20 for Calomel Schaefer paid me 2.00 this morning.  I spent 90 cts today.

 

October 28

I went to Owatonna with 43 1/3 bush of wheat for Schaefer I sold 138 1/2 bush of wheat for bal Hemingway let oat 99 cts per bush.  I spent 35 cts for horses and dinner.  I had 5 1/2 bushels oats of Schaefer this week.

 

October 29

I staid at home all day.  I fed 5 bushels of oats this week of my own.

 

October 30

I went over to Rulifsons early this morning and cleaned up a load of wheat and went [Òover toÓ is wrote but crossed out] Owatonna took 43 1/2 bushels for Schaefer I spent 70 cts today.  I came to Josiah Hemingways tonight.

 

October 31

I went over to Cusicks with J. Hemingway to make out a Chattel mortgage on his wheat.  I let him have 25 cts.  In the afternoon we went to threshing, I helped him thresh.

 

November 01

I helped J. Hemingway thresh all day.

 

November 02

I helped J. Hemingway thresh until half past one then I helped him cover the granary then went over to J. Smiths after his Jamming mill, I helped him clean up 2 loads of wheat, got through loading about 12 o'clock.

 

November 03

I went to Owatonna with 43 20/60 bushels of wheat for J. Hemingway.  J. Hemingway paid me $1.00 today.  I came over to Rulifsons and cleaned up a load of wheat. 

 

November 04

I went to Owatonna with 43 1/2 bushels of wheat for Schaefer I spend 35.00 today I came home tonight and saw Aunt Parthenia.  I fed 1 1/2 bushels of oats of Schaefers.

 

November 05

I staid at home all day, I fed 3 bushels of my oats this week.

 

November 06

I worked all day with team for Mr. Fox at $ 2.00 per day.

 

November 07

Election day, I drew 2 loads of sand for Cal Hemingway I took his wagon home after having it to go to Owatonna 5 trips at 50 cts per trip he pays me $1.25 for drawing sand.

 

November 08

Rainy, I worked for Mr. Fox plowing in the A.M., in the afternoon I helped pitch on manure and let my team stand in the stable.

 

November 09

I helped do the chars to Mr. Foxes.  It rained all day, Mr. D. Chase and wife came here tonight and staid all night.

 

November 10

I plowed all day for Mr. Fox.  He killed hogs today.

 

November 11

I plowed in the A.M.  In the afternoon I went up to Hayes blacksmith shop with the plow to get a point put on it, he charged 50 cts, I went to a debating school over by Rulifsons in the evening, Mr. Schaefer paid me for drawing wheat $15.70 I paid $1.00 to Cal Hemingway for making my shirts.

 

November 12

I went home in the morning, got my trunk , went to S. S. meeting.  Class meeting in the daytime, in the evening we went to hear Elder La Due preach.  It commenced raining this evening.

 

November 13

It rained and snowed all day.  Mr. Fox went over to Mr. Rulifsons to plaster his house.  I done the chars and helped Mr. Fox in the P.M. bank up the shed.  I went over to Mr. Sheldon after Rilla Hemingway.

 

November 14

I plowed all day with my team.  Mr. Fox went over to Theodore Sheldons to plaster.

 

November 15

Mr. Fox went over to Rulifsons and Fergusons to plaster.  I blanked up her house for Mr. Fox.

 

November 16

I helped clean up some wheat to take to mill.  I went over to P.G. Sheldons after a tumbling rod.  Mr. and Mrs. Fox went to Owatonna this noon.  In the afternoon I drew out manure with the oxen.

 

November 17

I drew out manure and banked up the shed with the oxen.  Mr. Fox got home tonight.

 

November 18

I went over to Sawyers and Leander Barretts after a plow in the morning.  I plowed the rest of the day.

 

November 19

I went to Baptist Sunday school and our Sunday school and prayer meeting in the evening.

 

November 20

We worked around the shed making mangers and banking up sheds.  We cleaned up 10 bags of wheat to take to Owatonna.

 

November 21

Mr. Fox and I went to Owatonna today with 21 2/6 bushels of wheat, I payed Lord $10.00, traded with John $4.00.  The going was very bad we broke an axletree out of Mr. Foxes wagon.

 

November 22

Very cold, I helped Mr. Fox draw 2 loads of straw from the other side the creek.  We all went to a Donation this evening up to Duane Gordons.  I paid 50 cts to Mrs. Sheldon for the fire sufferers I signed 2.00 for Elder Liscomb and 50 cts for Missionary purpose.

 

November 23

I helped Mr. Fox draw two loads of straw and 2 loads of manure.  We went to prayer meeting in the evening.

 

November 24

I helped Mr. Fox dig out his well and fix it, put in the pump.  I paid 50 cts today for my name cut on tin.

 

November 25

I helped draw 2 loads of straw and a load of wood.

 

November 26

I went to Sunday school meeting, Clays meeting, and prayer meeting to day.

 

November 27

I went home this P.M. I helped Charles clean up 2 loads of wheat.  I got my pants that Aunt Parthenia made.

 

November 28

I helped Mr. Fox draw a load of straw. We picked over some pepper and spice in the A.M. Mr. J. Hemingway came over here and wanted me to draw a load of wheat to Owatonna for him.  I went over there towards night, I helped him clean up a load of wheat in the evening.

 

November 29

I went to Owatonna with wheat for J. Hemingway, took 330 bush, Mrs. J. Hemingway and Clinton Hemingway went to town with me.

 

November 30

I went to Mr. Foxes from J. Hemingways this morning.  I helped him kill 4 hogs, I cleaned up a load of wheat in the evening with S. J. Nelson, J. Hemingway paid me 4.00 today for drawing 2 loads of grain to Owatonna.

 

December 01

I went to Owatonna for Mr. Fox, took 34 bushels of wheat.  I received of Mr. Fox $2.80 today.  I paid Rice 42.00 for Mr. Fox to apply on mortgage.

 

December 02

I helped Mr. Sage thresh.  I went to the Lyceum in the evening, I paid $.125 to Bal Hemingway the balance for the use of his wagon.

 

December 03

I went home this afternoon.  I fed one bush of oats today.  I fed one bushel of my oats this week, I paid Aunt Parthenia $1.00 for lining horses blankets and making plants.

 

December 04

I went to Owatonna on the Grand Jury.  I spent 10 cts for apples.

 

December 05

I was on jury all day, paid 85 cts for a knife.

 

December 06

I went on jury all day, we got through tonight.  I received $9.00 for services, I paid $2.70 to Winship for stopping there while on jury.  I drove out as far as J. Hemingways and stopped all night.

 

December 07

I went to Geneva to get my horses shoed.  I paid him for shoeing before I paid Shad $6.35 today.  J. Hemingway and wife went with me.

 

December 08

Mifs Hattie Perkins, Mrs. J. Hemingway, Mrs. Ida Brown and Mrs. Hellen Allen and myself came over to see mother and the rest of the folks.  We went back in the evening.  Charles went to Owatonna today.

 

December 09

I helped J. Hemingway draw up his corn in the shock.  In the evening Mifs Perkins, Ella Hemingway and I went home, Mifs Perkins was quite sick with the headache this evening.

 

December 10

We visited all day with our folks, staid all night.  I fed 6 bushels of my oats this week.

 

December 11

We came back to J. Hemingways this A.M.  We husked corn all day, cleaned up a load of wheat in the evening.

 

December 12

Miss Perkins, Mrs. Hemingway, and I went to Owatonna with wheat.  I sold 19 bushels at $1.02 per bushel and took 4 bags to mill.  I went to the barber's and got shaved and hair cut, paid 35 cts.  I paid J. Hemingway taxes, 2.58, and hotel bill 85 cts, sold $3.00 worth of chickens.  I gave my note to Lord Bros. for 31.65, payable 4 months from date.

 

December 13

J. Hemingway and I cleaned up a lot of oats to take over to the feed mill, drew up a load of corn from the field.  Raljah Sheldon and wife and Charles Gordon and wife came over here today. I spent 5 cts today.

 

December 14

We loaded up 2 loads of feed and took them over to the cheese factory.  Mrs. Hemingway went over with us we took dinner to P.G. Sheldon's, afterwards we went down to Mr. Rulifsons

 

December 15

I helped J. Hemingway kill 2 hogs.  It stormed quite hard most all day.

 

December 16

J. and I went after the grist over to the Cheese factory.  It was very blustering all day. We cut up the hogs, fixed a bin for the feed.  I let J. Hemingway have $2.00 to pay for his feed.

 

December 17

I drove over to Mattuces after the mail.  George Hemingway came over to Josiah's today. I fed 2 bushels of my oats this week.

 

December 18

Miss Perkins, J. Hemingway and I went to Owatonna, I spent $1.40 today.  I got a string of Bells at Hanewells for $5.00 but did not pay for them.

 

December 19

It is an awful day today.  J. Hemingway and I went over to the Norwegians to see if he could get a boy to do the chars this winter.

 

December 20

I went home today, Mrs. Hemingway and Miss Hattie Perkins went with me.  I stopped to Foxes and found that he owes me $13.25 but he did not pay me today. Charles paid me 55 cts today.  I got 10 bushels of my oats to take with me to the Pinery.

 

December 21

Jo and I drove all over Berlin after a man to come and do chars but got none.  Fox paid me for my work $12.95.  We took dinner to Rulfisons, he paid me 50 cts for a bag that he borrowed of me and did not bring it back.

 

December 22

It stormed very hard this A.M., Miss Hattie Perkins and I went to Owatonna after Christmas presents.  I got my photograph taken, 8 in number cost $2.00.  I spent $10.40 today.

 

December 23

I and Miss H. Perkins drove over to Mattuces after the mail this afternoon.  In the afternoon Jo and I went over to Johnson's to see Gilbert but he had gone to Owatonna.

 

December 24

We went to meeting today.

 

December 25

We went over to Sage's today visiting.  We went to the Christmas tree in the evening.

 

December 26

Mother, Charles and Aunt Parthenia came over to J. Hemingways visiting.  J. Gilbert and I went to Geneva to see James Jones.

 

December 27

We started for the pinery this morning, got as far as Kasson tonight.

 

December 28

We got as far as Eyota today.  I paid 1.50 for stopping in Kasson.

 

December 29

We took dinner in Plainview, cost me 50 cents.  We drove as far as Minneiska tonight.  My bill in Eyota was $1.50, spent in all 2.00.

 

December 30

I paid my bill this morning which was $1.10, took dinner in Winona which was 20 cts. making in all 1.50.  We got as far as Galesville.

 

December 31

I paid my bill this morning which was 90 cts.  We took dinner to Morrills, paid 30 cts making in all 1.20 today.  We got to Humbird this evening.

 

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