We are in possession of a personal diary dated 1867, as well as photos and other paperwork, also from the late 1800's. These items were found in upstate New York in the mid 1970's.
Below are the beginning entries from the diary that have been transcribed to the best of our ability. As time permits we will add more entries, so check back often. We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we have enjoyed transcribing it.
Tuesday, January 1, 1867
I hung up my stocking last night, and I got this diary, some writing paper and envelopes. Father and Mother went up on the hill to see our cousins. I went down to see Florence Ferick. Had a nice time. I went to meeting to Mrs. Charlesmans during it.
Wednesday January 2, 1867
I started for school this morning, but as the teachers had not got back from home there was none. I then went with Father over to Mr. Dericks to have my foot measured for a new pair of shoes. Had a letter from Frank to night. I spent the evening over to Miss Pinkneys.
Thursday, January 3, 1867
Martin started for Clinton this morning. It will be very lonesome now that he is gone. This morning the thermometer was at one degree below zero. I went to meeting to night we had a very good meeting.
Friday, January 4, 1867
There was no school today as the teacher has not yet returned. Aunt Jane stopped here on her way home. I finished my present for Father to night. There is a lecture to night on "life insurance". None of our folks went but Father.
Saturday, January 5, 1867
It has been very pleasant today. Brother Wright and Cousin Seymour were here by dinner. This afternoon I went down to see Grandma Rude along with Seymour as he was going to GZisCU. I had a very pleasant visit. Father has gone w/e to see the baby.
Sunday, January 6, 1867
I went to Sunday school this morning, Eanenr told me that Scillie experienced religion to their house at the prayer meeting the evening before. I was very glad. I stayed to meeting, M-- young man Jere asked the text was "Fear not for I am with thee be not dismayed for Your thy God"
Monday, January 7, 1867
Mifs Seymour came back last night. Father took me to school on horse back. It has snowed nearly all day, the snow is very deep now. This morning the therm- was about 22 above zero. Father came after me again to night.
Tuesday, January 8, 1867
I went to school today. It is quite cold though the term- is about 19 above zero. They are to meet tonight to see about the donation. There is also a prayer meeting at Mr. Dericks but I am not go as Grandpa is not going tonight.
Wednesday, January 9, 1867
Father carried me to school this morning. It has been quite mild today. Mrs. Earr stayed here last night. We had a letter from Martins tonight, he say's that often he went back he was quite arnendle and homesick. Mrs. Prengo here tonight.
Thursday, January 10, 1867
I went to school today. It has not been very cold today. Father went to the city today to see about getting some stoves for the meeting house. I went to meeting alone tonight. ave had a good meeting I came back with Mrs. Armedon.
Friday, January 11, 1867
I sent to school today. It is still quite mild. Father came after me after school, we rode up as far as Drrtmidon a and back. It is quite good sleighing.
Saturday, January 12, 1867
There was no school today. It is some colder to day than it has been. This evening I went to the Siceerm, there was quite a number out, it was very interesting. Father gave me five cents and I bought me a jews harp. The day has passed very quickly.
Sunday, January 13, 1867
I got info at eight-oclock this morning, early rising. I did my chores and got ready for Sunday School. We had quite an interesting school. I stayed to meeting Mr. Youngsman preached from the text in Judge 2 U Chapter and from the 2 G to the 28 verses.
Monday, January 14, 1867
I went to school today. It is very clear and cold today, this morning the term- was at two degrees above zero. This evening it is down to zero. Uncle Jonathan was here today, he has sold his farm to his brother George at 100 dollars an acre. They need Wright to see about the donation.
Tuesday, January 15, 1867
I went to school today. It is still very cold, this morning the therm was at eleven below zero. tonight it is at seven above there is a meeting tonight at Mrs Thomas, but I shall not go as Grandpa is not going, Father and Mother have gone to Mr. P_s to spend the evening.
Wednesday, January 16, 1867
I went to school today, it is not quite as cold today as it has been, this morning the term was at three below zero. tonight it is 19 above. Mother had company today Aunt Ordelia Mrs Gilbert and Della Belching. The mens class meeting is tonight.
Thursday, January 17, 1867
I went to school today. it is quite cold today. there was quite a snow storm last night. there was a prayer meeting afafavinted for to night, but I have not heard the bell ring.
Friday, January 18, 1867
I went to school today. it has been very cold today though the therm was at five above zero. There is a meeting down to Mr. Hodgkins tonight but I shall not go.
Saturday, January 19, 1867
There was no school today, I went over to Mr. Newsons today, as Father was busy writing and could not take me so I walked over, it was some drifted yet I got along very well, I came over with them to Sicerim tonight it was quite interesting.
Sunday, January 20, 1867
Went to sunday school today, and stayed to meeting Mr. Youngman preached the text was part of the 19 verse of the first chapter of first Peter. There is a meeting tonight, but I can not go.
Monday, January 21, 1867
I went to school today. We had quite a snow storm last night. Mr Pinkney was in here this evening.
Tuesday, January 22, 1867
I went to school today it is not very cold today the therm was at 21 degrees above zero. Mrs Lawrence was in here this evening.
Wednesday, January 23, 1867
It is not very cold today. Father went to the city today and got the box that Frank, the lamp even in it, and a box of tooth powder for me. the donation is tonight We had a letter from Martin tonight. Leydin Heatbert was here tonight.
Thursday, January 24, 1867
I went to school today the weather is quite mild. I went to meeting tonight, we had an excelent meeting.
Friday, January 25, 1867
I did not go to school today as I have got a hard cold. I am here this afternoon all alone as Mother has gone into one of the neighbors and Father and Frank per house both gone off.