William Weeks Diaries
1867
The 1867 Memoranda of
Introduction
During the winter/spring
2002, I had the privilege of student teaching in Longwood Junior High
school. In that time I came across some very special and fascinating
students. While viewing Longwood’s own historical web page
(www.Longwood.K12.ny.US/history/) I became amazed and interested in
participating in adding to the massive collection of historical content,
of the Longwood Community. I later came across the Journal of W.J.
Weeks, who was a Yaphank resident.
This document was well
over one hundred fifty hand written pages. While teaching one day I
offered this material to the students who I who student teaching. The
response was rather overwhelming. These students worked during their
daily lunch breaks, and continued their work at home. In mid-March I had
to move over to Longwood High School to finish my student teaching
requirements. I expected this project to go unfinished, but yet again to
my amazement the students still continued to work on this at home and on
their own.
As a promise to them, I
finished and edited their work during the summer of 2002. The end result
is some seventy-five type pages, about the day to day life of the of
this Yaphank farmer. In this document Mr. Weeks, discusses early roots
of the County Fair, using a microscope, the day to day farming, as well
as lives of the people who lived in the community at this time and much,
much more.
August 2002,
Longwood Junior High School
Social Studies Department Chairperson: Mr. Steven Ball
Co-Operating Teacher: Mr. Paul Infranco
Project Supervisor: Mr. Michael P. Farina
Student Participants: Arslan Sayed, Kristen Nordstrom, Daniel Ferris,
Behrend McGrath, George Oswald III, Kurt Stavdal, James
Stavdal, and James Stavdal.
Michael P. Farina
January 1867
Tuesday, January 1, 1867
The snow fell yesterday, amounted to only a few inches in depth - today
some snow & fine mist at intervals - This morng. We put the sled in
order, and harnessed the horses, & carted, the oak log, and the pine
log, to the saw mill – were occupied till after 1 o’clock. This aftr. at
home most of the time - rec’d by acct. of sale of cranberries.
Wednesday, January
2, 1867
This morng. Cooler & fair, aftr. - cloudy - & milder. I harnessed horse
& conveyed Archie to the station, & he started in with the early train
for Huntington, to return to school - returned home this forenoon, went
to the saw mill to direct about sawing the logs - & went again this aftr.
This evening. Took supper at father’s - Mr. Holmes, Susan & Robert Smith
were there.
Thursday, January
3, 2002
Morng., cold & frosty - mercury about zero - day clear & calm, &
moderate - I finished picking over cranberries, & hut up a prime half
barrel. Have a few quarts left. Our sleigh, with mother & Annie, came
along about 18½o’c, going to fireplace - I put in the half barrel & rode
to the station, where I waited for the train, & ship the cranberries, by
express to Mr. French in New York - On my return, I wrote the notes of
the survey in Patchogue, on the 16th of November - for Robert
Smith - This aftr. reading & as the snow precludes out door work -
Friday, January 4,
2002
Morng., frosty - day calm & clear - sun bright and snow thawing a little
- I read some in Home Journal, wrote to Mrs. J. Terry, also to C.J.
Smith - I went to P.O. about 1o’c - This after. I commenced making a
copy of the record of premiums, for the pirsader, & was engaged of it,
this evening. Next Hallie, Clara & Julia, to slide down hill for a
little while. -
Saturday, January
5, 2002
Morning calm & frosty - the sun bright - air mild & snow thawing -
After. wind southerly - Eveng. rain - I continued work upon the premium
list - Went to the P.O. at 1 o’c - Aftr. put handle on axe for father -
walked to the stream with my gun - saw a woodchuck, split some wood at
the wood pile at dusk. James Raynor brought a live fox home, which he
dug out - I brought it to the L.I. Historical Society - James, killed
it, and I expect to forward it Monday - Becky, & Hewlett Hawkins, &
Hattie Swezey, took supper here.
Sunday, January 6,
2002
Damp & Cloudy - wind N.W. & variable - Moderate snow storm, & sometimes
a bit of rain - during part of the day. Aftr. ceased - We did not open
the chh. (Church) today - The latter part of the after. I walked down to
see John Guty, who has been ill some time - disposed to consumption
-carried some apples - he was better than he was several weeks since -
Monday, January 7,
2000
Morning cloudy, & colder - the day proved clear with wind N.W. - &
blowing, more wind & colder at eveng. I finished writing out the award
of premiums this morning & I went tot he store & procured a box to put a
fox in - packed it & at 11o’c carried it to the station, & sent it to E.
Lewis Jr. by express - This aftr., I split some wood at wood pile. Mary
felt some slight labor pains last evening, and occasionally today -
towards eveng. they increased in severity & continued this eveng. &
harder towards midnight - I made all necessary preparations for the
event - and a little was born about 1 o’c this (Tuesday) morng. Jan.
8.
Tuesday, January
8, 1867
Everything passed of well, & as soon as practical Mary went to bed, &
was comfortable - The birth took place in the west room of out house -
Today, bright sun windy & cold - I wrote two letters this eveng. - &
remained about home. The baby weighed 9 lbs - This aftr. Robt & I
carried the girls to the pond on the sled & cleaned off the snow from a
space, & cut out a strip of ice. I came home for my skates, & returned
to the pond, & pushed out the ice, - & then put _______ in order for
ice, tomorrow.
Wednesday, January
9, 1867
Clear & cold today, no thawing at the pond - I went to the pond this
morng. & resumed work of getting out ice - Robert came in the horse &
wagon, & loaded & carted to the ice house today – he stowed it away – he
carted 6 loads today - I returned home at 12½, & resumed again this aftr.
at 3 o’c - & worked till dusk - Mary & baby getting along very well -
Thursday, January
10, 1867
Morning cloudy - towards noon, began to snow - aftr. snow storm, & at
eveng. - wind N.E.I worked at the ice again today, cutting & pushing it
out to the shore - Robert carted & stormed away four loads. I commenced
preparing copy of financial report for printer, feel tired this eveng –
Friday, January
11, 1867
The snow ceased falling during the night. This morng. clear - snow
light, & 2 or 3 inches in depth - I continued work on report and
completed it. Wen to the pond about 11o’c and cleared off the snow: so
as to get a little more ice. Robert carted, this morng. 2 loads, part of
that was taken out yesterday - This aftr. I went to the pond again & cut
a little more ice, enough to make up two loads which was carted this
aftr., & made a finish of getting ice - We put in 14 loads.
Saturday, January
12, 1867
Clear - & cold, N.W. wind - I finished my accounts & report – today -
about 11 o’c went to the sawmill, with sled & horses & carted home three
loads of boards & sawn from the logs. Carried up the other day towards
eveng., I split some wood - walked to the store this aftr.
Sunday, January
13, 1867
Cloudy - wind northerly - Commenced snowing about 11 o’c, fine flakes, &
moderate - Ceased towards eveng. At the chh. I read the service & a
sermon - gave notice, that the services would be discertained till
further notice - Mary is sitting up & holding the baby this eveng.
Monday, January
14, 1867
Clear & cold - I prepared this morng. a copy of the award of premiums
condensed, for the sec.of state ag. Socy. in the affidavit attached -
Went to the P.O. Between 1 & 2 pm. - Aftr., split some wood.
Tuesday, January
15, 1867
Clear & cold -This forenoon wrote affidavits to reports & prepared to go
to Riverhead - Robert conveyed me to the station, at 12 o’c. & I went
with the mail train to R.H. - found most of the members in the train.
This aftr. we prepared a new premium list - varying a little from the
old - This eveng. - John Wood, County Clerk, came in & we made affidavit
before him, of the Corrections of our reports. The night was cold – we
went to bed about 12 o’c - Dox see & I together.
Wednesday, January
16, 1867
Morning. calm & cold - day clear - This forenoon we finished our
business & left Riverhead with the train at 10:35 - Robert met me at the
station -This aftr., in the house –resting - later went out & split some
wood - Mary is not feeling very well - This eveng. could hear the sound
of the ocean.
Thursday, January
17, 1867
At dawn, found that snow storm was in progress, snow had already
accumulated several inches - Wind northerly & northwesterly - & snowing
furiously - continued the forenoon - Aftr. did not snow so much, but the
wind blew and the snow drifted. I attended upon Mary today, & looked
over the papers. Towards night I went to the store - snow along the road
a foot or more in depth - No cars went through today.
Friday, January
18, 1867
Cold & high, North Westerly wind - Snow dry & drifting, and forming
banks, clear - We all kept in the house - I wrote a letter to, &
finished the papers for the Sect. of the State, Ag. Towards eveng. I
went to father’s & staid an hour or so. No cars, have come today, from
either direction -
Saturday, January
19, 1867
Clear - the wind was less violent today, & the snow drifted but a little
comparatively, cold. I prepared matter relating to our Ag. Proceedings
for publication - Arranged also the premium Report. The latter part of
the aftr. I cleared a path across the woods - No trains yet - No mail
now since Wednesday.
Sunday, January
20, 1867
Last night was, clear, calm & frosty - This morng at 7 o’c, the mercury
stood at 14°
below zero - as the sun rose, the weather, moderated, & the sky was
cloudy wind N.E. & appearance of snow, snowing later this eveng. We
remained at home - About 4o’c, I went to Mr. Wilmarth’s & carried them a
basket of apples - It was dust when I returned home.
Monday, January
21, 1867
The wind blew during the night, & there was a storm, hail – damp - the
previous snow was dampered, today damp & thawing a little, milder - not
freezing - I wrote a letter to Mr. Driscoll, also to Kellogg Croswell,
early this mrng. Jamie and I brought some large wood into the south from
outdoors - the supply entry nearly used up towards eveng. I wen to the
store. (No trains yet)
Tuesday, January
22, 1867
Clear & moderately cold. I wrote a letter to Archie. Father came along
with the sled & I rode to the station with him. The Rail Road blocked up
with snow, & large drift west of the station house. On my return, I
sharpened my knife, & mended a lot of pend for Cousin M. Underhill.
Later in the aftr. I went at work to shovel snow form the path across
the woods. While at work at this; two sleighs with passengers came along
the road from the east. In one of them were Judge Smith & J.H. Doxsee,
our sec’y, they had been caught East during the snow storm & had just
came from Riverhead, having left there this morning, & had a tedions
time to get through. Presumably, I went to the store, & finding Doxsee,
I invited him to spend the night at father’s. Judge Smith had gone Mr.
Floyd’s & spent the night with him. I went to father’s to tea, &
remained most of the eveng.
Wednesday, January
23, 1867
Clear & bright this morning. Day not very cold. Wind north westerly &
cold this eveng. I went to the store with Doxsee, & saw then off for
Smithtown, about 9 o’clock. Went to the Smith’s shop & had some axe
guards made. Came home, & copied a letter to Cousin Maria. After dinner,
commenced preparing a copy of the next premium list. Last Thursday’s
Times arrived, the mail having been brought through upon the south side.
I went to father’s it & two letters, written previous to the storm.
Fitted handle to an axe.
Thursday, January
24, 1867
Clear, moderate, & thawing, but cool at eveng. I completed fitting
handles to two axes. Sharpened saw father. Wrote more copy of New
premium list. This aftr. went with father & Robert, with sled & horses,
to break road, as far east as father’s district extends on Moriches
Road.
Friday, January
25, 1867
Forenoon, clam, bright & pleasant, aftr. cloudy & chilly, thawed again.
I wrote in the premium list. Spent some time grinding an axe. This aftr.
took a ride in the sleigh as far as Mark Miller’s. Mother Susie, Jamie &
Hallie, went along. This aftr, we heard the whistles of Locomotives,
somewhere to the West. There is prospect they may get through tomorrow.
Saturday, January
26, 1867
Clear today, & thawing, some snow succeeded by rain last night, which
has rendered the snow soft. I wrote some in the premium list, about
10o’c went to the sawmill & thence to the station, started west on the
Rail Road, to meet the train, soon after passing the curve, saw the
locomotives with snow plow coming through the curb. They dashed through
the snow and did not stop until they reached the tank, where they
procured water. I got upon the tend of one of the locomotives, thinking
prebriefs, the snow will stop the other L. & plow, between Moriches Road
and the Hay Road, but they were not stopped so I made up my mind to go
on till, they met the train from East, but the head locomotive stopped
opposite Oak Island, to connect with the others and after speaking with
White, I got off and walked home. After eating my dinner, I walked to
P.O. and the mail had just arrived, with daily papers for eight days.
This aftr. reading papers. The previous snow blockage were, Dec. 29th
1853 and Jan. 18th 1857, Cars detained 7 days, & 19 days.
Sunday, January 27,
1867
Clear & freezing. Cold northwest wind. We kept house the house. I looked
over the papers, & read.
Monday, January
28, 1867
Clear & cold. Cold northwest wind. I added Post Scripts to the letters
written the early part of last week, carried them to P.O., walked up the
Mill pond, to opposite Dr. Holden’s, all froze over. This aftr. wrote a
letter a more to the list & looked over papers.
Tuesday, January
29, 1867
Mercury down to 10°
this morng., at 7 o’c, & the same this eveng. at 9 o’c. Today clear &
cold with cold N.W. wind, now thawing. I finished premium list today,
read papers, went to the P.O. soon after 1o’c & had to wait an hour for
the mail.
Wednesday, January
30, 1867
Morng. calm & frosty, mercury at zero, at 7o’c day clear & cold. Eveng.
frosty, mercury at 10pm, 6°
below zero. I was occupied partly in preparing an article for the times,
in reply tp a passenger on the L.I. Rail Road. The latter part of the
aftr. I went to the pond and skated, ice in poor condition, for skating.
Patch of snow, with occasional bare spots.
Thursday, January
31, 1867
The weather moderated towards morng. & the day open cloudy, presumably a
light snow commenced fully & air changed from N.W. to S.W., the snow did
not last long, & the day was cloudy mild & air moist. Jamie & I put
another supply of large wood into the south entry, which was just out.
After breakfast carried some wheat to mill, on the sled & then carted
home boards & other stuff, which had been at the saw mill. This occupied
me till between 12 & 1 & then put some of the prices into the top of the
wood shed & went to slide near Isaac Robbins, to give Lillie and Beckie
Hawkins a ride, after putting the ground in order, we rode down a number
of times.
February 1867
Friday,
February 1, 2002
Fair, mild, thawing, fresh breeze from the S.
West. After breakfast, I sat down write & perhaps look over papers,
father called in sleigh with mother going for, Mrs. Wilmarth. This was
at 11o’c. they had returned, & gone by my house & father was coming back
in few to take Susy a ride & I got ready to go to the store with them,
& in the mean time stepped out, at the south door, to shovel snow & just
as I did so, I heard, Dales Lane, who had been threshing in the barn
opposite call out & looking that way, I seen the smoke issuing through
the roof of the straw stable at the East end of the barn, I sprang
immediately for my hydropult and a pail and ran there. But I could not
at first get any water as Dale was engaged in getting out the horses.
Robert soon came, but the fire was under too much headway, to be
arrested and we went at work, pulling out the wagons, and other things.
Mr. Mills and other persons soon arrived, having seen the smoke, or been
notified by father. They took some lumber and articles from the east
cart house and they went to the granery, which was in great danger, and
we which subsided after the heat has subsided from the burning of the
east cart house. We tried to save a part of the west cow shed, but the
heat was too great and it was finally, consumed. A stack of sedge hay
was on fire, and we pulled out and saved part of it and threw snow on
the posts the straw was kindled, by Ed Mills(who is partly deguaged) and
who immediately fled across the lots, towards the north, as we indicated
by his tracks. {about}10’o’clock. It was suggested to go in search of
him. And I went accompanied Chester Taylor. D. E. Hammond followed and
soon joined, us, and went all though. We trailed him across, the fields
and through the woods in a north easterly direction and finally came up
with him in the midst of the woods, between 2 and 3 miles distant. His
route had a devious one, and the moon was deep and the walk fatiguing.
We ommitted to get anything to eat before we started and felt the need
of it. He was lying upon his back, resting on the snow. As I judged we
must have been near Hay Road. As soon as we had rested we all proceeded,
eastward. Mills went the way I directed, I did not mention the fire to
him. After of going a quarter of a mile, we struck the branch road.
(leading from Hay road to Longwood) very near the fork and then proceed
along the road to Longwood, where we prepared some bread and butter, and
I particularly dried my stockings, which were wet through. They all were
from home, except Susan. We walked to Yaphank by the road while his
leg was broken and arrived between 4 and 5. I left Mills at the
store, and went to speak to Mr. Floyd. Father happened to come up with
sleigh to carry Mrs. Milmarth home, and I rode back with him, and just
an I went to get out of the sleigh I was seized with cramps in my right
leg. I got into my house as soon I could, and put my feet, into a pail
of warm water, and I subsequently had the cramp in the left leg, but
with the rubbing of Mother and Mary, I was relieved after awhile. I kept
the house the rest of the evening about 10o’c P.M., Dr. Baker and J.P.
Mills called in to consult me, as to what it was to do with Mills and
wished to know if I could go with him to the Lunatic Asylum at
Brattleborough. I said I would think of it and let them know.
Saturday, February 2, 1867
Freezing, during the night. This morning cloudy and presently the wind,
blew from the N.E. and the air was damper. There was some rain this
evening. I wrote more copy, to be published with the proceedings. The
Rules, Regulations to in order to have all the papers ready in case I
should go next week. I went to the store, this forenoon and procured a
pot of butter to. I put my hydropult in order, the hose having burst
yesterday, as the valves, became so dry and hard as to be ineffective. I
took it to the store this evening and showed them what it needed (new
valves). I told J.P. Mills that, I would go the Asylum to take Mills,
but I could not start before Tuesday.
Sunday, February 3, 1867
Morning, cloudy and damp, wind southerly and snow thawing. At sundown,
the sky red, and looks like clearing. At home most of the day. Towards
evening I walked to C.J. Hawkins and sat awhile, looked over list of
books for Library.
Monday, February 4, 1867
Mild, wind southerly, thawing. Afternoon cloudy and rain this evening.
Looked over copy of Gllson’s address and corrected some errors.
Finished matter for our agricultural Pamphlet. Split some wood at wood
pile. Afternoon getting ready to go with Mills, to Brattleboro,
tomorrow. Sawed off the ends of some boards, and piled them. Wrote
report of the fire for the Bulletin. Went to J.P. Mills, this evening
to make final arrangements about going in the morning. It is min 11 o’c
P.M. and I went to bed.
Tuesday, February 5, 1867
Some rain during the night. This morning cloudy and damp. Air mild and
afternoon fair. I rose early and made final preparations to start.
Walked to J.P. Mills. He conveyed Edmund and I to the station. We went
with the early train, arrived at Hunter’s Point about 11o’c . Crossed
the ferry to New York, there to the depot, of the New Haven, R.R. in 27th
St. Purchased through tickets to Brattleboro, left New York at 12:15 –
did not change cars till we reached Springfield, Mass. About 6pm arrived
at Brattleboro at 9o’c. From the Depot we took a sleigh to Asylum, about
¾ mile distant. I let the sleigh return, and then returned at the
Asylum awhile and talked with young Dr. Rockwell. Edmund was supplied
with a room and bed. I walked backed to the hotel about half a mile.
Considerable snow and sloshy underfoot. I wrote a letter to J.P. Mills
and went to bed between 10 and 11o’c.
Wednesday, February 6, 1867
The snow froze during the night and the walking this morning was ory.
The day was clear and pleasant, and thawing some. Without waiting for
breakfast, I went to theAsylum about 7 O’clock. Saw the elder Dr.
Rockwell and had a talk with him. Saw Mr. Jones and Davis Howell. Also
went through some of the words. Talked with the Dr. a little longer, and
the sleigh came for me about 9 O’C. I took the cars at Springfield,
arrived in about 3 hours. Waited about half an hour, then took another
train for North Adams, where I arrived about 5 O’C and went to see
cousin Robert Weeks. Spent the night with him.
Thursday, February 7, 1867
Clear and pleasant, thawing, fine morning. After breakfast Robert and I
procured a horse and sleigh, and drove to the west end if the Hoosie
Tunnel. We spent and hour in mine in examining the operations. Went into
the west end where they are obliged to construct a brick arch, to
support the walls, it being soft. We returned and I wrote a letter for
Mary, and after eating lunch, went to the Depot, and procured a ticket
to Schenectady at sundown. Went to Judge Paige’s and after tea, went out
with Blane to call upon some of Mary’s friends. About 10 O’clock, went
with Kitty Peck, to the hall, where they had been holding a fair. Saw
here Mrs. Anne Paige, her daughter Anna and Miss Rebecca Duane. Returned
to Judge Paige’s and spent the night.
Friday, February 8, 1867
Another clear and fine day. Snow thawing. After breakfast, which was
late (about 9 O’clock) I went in to see Mrs. Anna Paige, staid ten
minutes and when I returned to the Judges, he said I had no time to
spare, if I wished to go the train, at 9:50. He was mistaken, however,
but I bade them “Goodbye” and jumped into the sleigh at the door, and
was conveyed to the Depot, where I had about fifteen minutes to procure
a ticket to. I went to Albany, arrived about 10 O’C. Called at the City
Hall and saw Joseph Paige, and from there went to his house in Hawk
Street and saw Clara and Fanny Paige, and Mrs. Joseph Paige. There I
went to the Agricultural Rooms and saw B.P. Johnson and talked awhile
with him, and saw the bones, found at Cohoes. Went to the capital, and
went in tot the Assembly and Senate. Returned to the Agricultural rooms
and visited the Natural History Collection and hi due time took the
train at 3:15 pm, Harlem R.R. for New York, where I arrived between 9 &
10pm and went to H.G. De Forrests, where I spent the night.
Saturday, February 9, 2002
Damp & cloudy (in New York) a little rain & this evening, rain storm
with thunder. I went down town and left the manuscript of proceedings
(Ag. Doc) at the printers, and wrote a form for advertisement. Went to
Wall St. and procured money for coupons & collected order Aut.
Apportion, to the Ag. Soc’y. About 12’00 went James Slip, & there to
Hunter’s Point. Saw white, but Charlick had gone to Huntington, & I left
my fill for wood. Returned to New York and went to Weeks and co.
Office saw Uncle Edward & rec’d for a small balance due me. Went to the
bank a little before 3 O’C, with some errands> I proceeded up town &
arrived at H.G. De Forrests in time for dinner at 5 o’clock. Did not go
out this evening.
Sunday, February 10, 1867
High, Northwest wind, clear & cold. About 9 O’C I left the house, & went
down town on a car, stopped at the City Hall. There to Fulton Ferry and
crossed to Brooklyn, and walked to Plymouth Church, where I remained
during the service, & heard Henry Ward Beecher. Returned to New York, &
arrived at Uncle Edward’s, where I took dinner. Later I called of
Townsend Underhills and then at James’s, where I took supper. James does
not look very well, does not talk , except in a whisper. I returned to
H.G. De Forrests.
Monday, February 11, 1867
The wind had subsided. Clear & pleasant, cold. I left De Forrests, this
morning, went to Stewarts, corner of 10th Street & procured
some yards of prints, there I went to 34th St. ferry, &
crossed to Hunter’s Point. Mrs. Charlick, had not left any check for me,
& so I returned to New York, by the ferry by James’s slip. Called at the
printer’s, & and other places, procured some articles. Went to Harper’s
& and bought two books for district library, & arrived at James slip, in
time to take the 2 o’clock boat for Hunter’s Pt., where I procured
ticket for Yaphank, and returned home, with the evening train. James met
me at the station, & assisted me in carrying my packages. Absent nearly
a week.
Tuesday, February 12, 1867
Morning, cool, day thawing. I wrote a letter to W.A. Gleason also to W.
Bride, enclosing a state report. I then went to Wampmissic, saw Shelton,
and Dougerty. Arraigned with D. to leave the house on the first of April
& with Shelton, to have it on the 1st of April, for his
workman at $3 dollars a month, in addition of giving it up upon 30 days
notice. I reached home about 1 o’clock. This afternoon James & I sawed
wood, & split wood a quantity.
Wednesday, February 13, 1867
Mild, wind southwest. I looked over newspapers. Wrote acct. of expenses
to Brattleboro, for J.P. Mills. Went and sawed some wood & I split a
quantity. I went in the P.O. after 1 o’clock. Father and Mother and
Susan, went to attend the funeral of Tobias Cook’s little girl (only
child), at the Baptist Church. This aft. I split more wood, & later I
went to the border of the meadow, S.E. of tool house, & after leveling
the turf, I cut down on of the large pine trees which been left, was
left dead.
Thursday, February 14, 1867
Cloudy, wind southerly, mild like of April. Rain this evening. I wrote
in my journal. Wrote a letter to Dr. W.H. Rockwell, to ascertain if
Davis Howell could write. Sent off 4 Ag. Reports. Went to the P.O..
Split some wood & later, towards eveng. Prepared some sticks, & put
between the oak boards, which I piled near the bee house.
Friday, February 15, 1867
Cooler, fair, wind N.W. but light. I opened some clams for breakfast,
bought yesterday. I split some wood, then went at work, to “stick” other
pine boards and planks, which occupied considerable time. Went to the
P.O. about 1 O’C. this eveng., commenced reading aloud, Swan’s N.W.
Coast.
Saturday, February 16, 1867
Cloudy and damp. Commenced raining in the morning. Showers, & rain this
evening. I split some wood & James & I sawed some before the rain set
in.
Sunday, February 17, 1867
Clear & cooler, wind N.W. We remained at home reading.
Monday, February 18, 1867
Fair & pleasant. Froze a little during the night. I went to Wampmissic,
and to the Yellow House. Dougherty left, suddenly, last week. I found
the house in a filthy condition. The north room had been occupied by the
horsefly a day, or two. I took in Albert Smith, & went north, and took
Account of some wood, cut by Dougherty. Called at Landells & warned him,
& others not to remove anything left on my premises & looked about the
house & then returned home. Arrived between one & two.
Tuesday, February 19, 1867
Wind, N.W. & cooler, aft., cloudy. I split some wood. Wrote a letter to
Archie. Wheeled some white oak sticks to the woodpile. Brit
sticks left by Robert for other purposes than fire wood. James & I sawed
logs from the large pile, & I rolled them to the edge of the turf heap
for evading. This aft. Sawed some wood at woodpile. I went to the P.O.
about 5o’c, the cars came in late. Mr. Wilmarth called to see me this
eveng., reports his daughter, better.
Wednesday, February 20, 1867
The day opened with a snowstorm. The ground white continued during the
forenoon & fell fast, not much this aft., wind N.W. Snow oraj, &
6 or much inches deep. This forenoon I wrote Hack. Reeves Eortir of
Watchinora, in reply to his inquiry of how much wire aid we required,
than fencing the ground. Aft. went to the P.O., on my return, took the
wartie clock from its case, & boiled it in water, to cleanse it.
Succeeded in making it go very well. It has been silent for long time.
We recd. letters, today, from D.K. Youngs, telling us that Archie is ill
with the measles, but not very seriously.
Thursday, February 21, 1867
Morning cloudy. The wind became North East & between 9 & 10, fine hail
commenced & then came snow, & finally this aft. the snow fell fast, all
aft. somewhat damp. I wrote to D.K. Youngs, also to W.H. Wells,
Greenport. Robert came over with the sled, & we carted the two pine
logs, & also two oaks ones from the grove, to the sawmill. I procured a
bar of iron at the store & took it to the Smith Shop, directed foreman,
to make four wheels or rings a foot in diameter. Waited for the mail
after 1o’c. This aft. at home, partly dressed winds for a ladder.
Friday, February 22, 1867
The snow is more than a foot deep on the level, a little fell this
mornig, aft. sun rise. The day proved clear, & not cold. This I wrote
father’s will from a copy left with me, looked over the papers and the
latter part of the aft. I made a last for Clare’s, foot
intending to have some stout shoes made for her. The mail did not arrive
till about 5o’c. I went to the P.O., Mary had a letter from Clara Knapp.
Saturday, February 23, 1867
The night was quite cold. The mill pond was skimmed with ice. Today
fair, aft. cloudy, not much thawing, towards eveng. Wind S.E. & fine
snow, & in the eveng., (9o’c) Commenced raining. I prepared two more
lasts, today, for Hallie & Julie, and towards eveng. I went to the
sawmill, & directed about during the legs, & then called at Hammonds, &
left the lasts, & gave him the measures , for making some shoes.
Cousins, Susan Marie Young, Anne Jones, & Robt Jones, arrived with the
mail train, & are at father’s. I called to see them this evening.
Sunday, February 24, 1867
Rain during the night. This forenoon stormy. Aft. ceased and mild. I
went to father’s to dine. This aft. they all except Robt., went to the
Presb. Chapel, snow soft & wet.
Monday, February 25, 1867
Fair, froze during the night, thawed again. Today I wrote to Archie.
Made a pattern for the spoke of the wagon. Went to Smith’s shop. Came
home sawed some wood . Susan, Maria & Al, called here.
Tuesday, February 26, 1867
Froze a little during the night. Today, clear & pleasant overhead, wet &
thawing underfoot. I went over to father’s a few minutes, brought home a
plank, & sawed off some strips, for the spikes of the wheels. Sawed some
wood. Aftr. went to the store and smith’s shop, & after I came home,
sawed some more wood with James. Mr. Jones arrived at father’s, & the
others went to Longwood about 11o’c.
Wednesday, February 27, 1867
Clear & pleasant, overhead. Froze during the night, thawed moderately
today. I wrote to N. Floyd, in answer to his letter about cranberry
culture, also a few line to J.C. Thompson. I went to P.O. and to Smith’s
shop to give him some further directions. Came home & Jamie & I sawed
some wood, also more this aft., & I split, a quantity.
Thursday, February 28, 1867
Last night frosty, this forenoon clear & pleasant, aft wind southerly, &
sky overcast. I wrote to Dr. Thompson, a few lines to Archie, to let him
come home on Saturday. I cut down a tree in the grove & then went below
the tool house, & cut down one of the pines, and trimmed it. Went to the
P.O., returned and sawed of some pieces of the oak boards, by the
beehive. This aft. recd. some of the proof of Argricult Report, spent
some time in looking over the financial acct. as the printer had made a
mistake. The whole badly dove. Conclude to go to New York, tomorrow, to
attend to.
March 1867
Friday, March 1, 1867
Cloudy - commenced raining about 7o’c - the day proved stormy - ceased
towards eveng. I rose about 6A.M., got ready & walked to the station, &
went with the early train to Hunter’s Pt. And there to James Slip - Went
to the Printers, and gave further instructions about the publications of
the Ag. Report - returned to Hunters with the 12o’c, boat, & waited an
hour Mr. Charlick, but he did not come, so I returned to James Slip -
and subsequently rode up town to J.W. Underhill’s - stopped a few
minutes & then called at Townsend's and their dinner, was not ready. I
went to Mr. Charlick’s house in 34th St. – waited till Mr. C.
came in & their made an arrangement to see him at the office in Hunter’s
Point tomorrow – returned to Townsands & dined about 7o’c, & remained
there till 9o’c, & went to J.W. Underhills, & spent the night – James’s
throat is affected & he does not speak aloud.
Saturday, March
2, 1867
Damp, But not much rain – mild - I remained at James’s till 10o’c, &
then went to 34th St. ferry & crossed to Hunter’s Point.
Waited till after 12o’c, & soon after Mr. Charlick came, & had a check
prepared for the amount of my wood - & I returned to James slip, by
12½o’c, boat - went to the bank and drew money - ($494.06). Then called
at some ofthere places, & finally reached the slip & went with the 3o’c
boat to Hunter’s Point, and there home on the eveng. train. Arrived in
due time & rode up with Isaac Robbins, who was conveying to Hawkins. - I
went to father’s to supper Dual, K. Youngs, wife, and son, arrived (with
Archie also) with the mail train today - Dual & his wife arc at father’s
& Willie stays here with Archie. Archie, Willie & Susy spent the eveng.
at Mrs. Hawkins’s
Sunday, March
3, 1867
Clear, & colder, northwest, and froze last night - I called at father’s
for a short time & came home to dinner - Daniel & his wife called over,
this aftr & I went with him, to look at the cranberry beds.
Monday, March
4, 1867
An inch or two of snow had fallen during the night, the snow was damp -
This morng. fair - this aftr. - the latter part raining - Daul & his
wife & went to Longwood to dine - I wrote a letter Gleason, also to
printer’s. On the return of the wagon from Longwood. We put the horses
to sled, & went to the sawmill, and brought house, the boards & planks &
from the two pine logs carried there the other day - This aftr. at home.
On their return from Longwood, they came over here & took supper with
his also father & mother, & spent the eveng.
Tuesday, March
5, 1867
A little snow fell during the night - today clear & pleasant overhead, -
wet & thawing under foot, - froze during the night. I went over to
father’s this morng. - Daniel & family expected to leave with the mail
train - At 11o’c, I rode to the station with them. Archie also returned
to Huntington. On my way back, I stopped at the store, went to the
Smith’s shop & P.O. him for work - then waited for the mail at the
store till two o’c - but it had not arrived, I returned home, leaving
James to wait for it - This aftr. at home & later, James & I sawed off
some slabs. Clinton Raynor called with a fox, but I did not think it was
a good specimen - and did not purchase it.
Wednesday,
March 6, 1867
Forenoon, clear & cold - aftr. cloudy, & snow at eveng. wind N.E - I
went to Wampmissic this morning. Fished the bucket out of the Yellow
house well. Drove North to my woods, & also went to father’s woods,
where J.Albin was coaling - On my return, called at Shelton’s - he was
plowing. I reached home between 12 & 1o’c - This aftr, Jamie and I sawed
a log off the tree cut below the tool house, also several 3 feet sticks
- I carried some slabs to the border of swamp upon my sled, early morng.
Thursday, March
7, 1867
Hail, to during the night. This forenoon, damp, & cold drizzle, wind
N.E. & finally some rain in the middle of the day, aftr. less & towards
eveng. wind more northerly, & eveng. clear & colder. I looked over the
papers, wrote to Wagstaff, in favor of increasing the Stock L.I.R.R.C.
Went to the P.O. to carry letters, & thence to the Smith’s shop to have
to the chain fixed on my bucket. Sent James to the station, with the
sled to procure a box, which prove to be some oyster & clams for father,
from Doxsee. On my return home, spliced rope to bucket chain. Aftr.
looked over some papers & at eveng. carried them to Mr. Floyd.
Friday, March
8, 1867
Froze during the night - making it good sleighing. This morning, clear &
cool - wind N.W. - thawed & sleighing used up. I wrote father’s acct.
with Wicks & Co., in his book, & about 8 o’c, went to father’s & with
Robert, harnessed horses to the sled & carted a log, from near the tool
house, to the saw mill, we then went to Wampmissic. - I put the bucket,
of the well, & then we loaded a chestnut log, (lying in the edge of the
woods, west of the Yellow house upon the sled, & started for home, the
snow had thawed, but we had enough to render it better than horse ground
- we took the load to the saw mill, & brought back to father’s, some oak
planks. Mr. Jones went off today - aftr. looked over papers, trimmed
grape vine & finished N.W. coast.
Saturday, March
9, 1867
Morng Fair - aftr. - cloudy, mild & thawing,- roads bare of snow. This
forenoon, I made a diagram of the survey of Patchogue, Nov. 16th
1866, finished it about 1o’c, carried it to the P.O. for Robert Smith -
rec’d bill from Nescott & Co. for printing Ag. Report - heard that the
box had arrived at the station & as soon as I had finished dinner, I
harnessed horse and drove to the station & procured it – brought home
J.P. Mill’s cider mill - & at dusk, ground up some small Russet apples -
& applied the press – James & I sawed some slabs & I split them – We
examined the box, to see if the whole number had been sent & came to the
conclusion, it had been.
Sunday, March 10,
1867
Moderate & steady rain all day – commenced before day this morng. – We
hardly went out during the day, but remained at home reading –
Monday, March 11,
1867
Clear & pleasant – mild – patches of snow remain here & there – frost
out of the ground. This morng. I wrote to Uncle E.A. Weeks, inclosing
the printers’ bill – also $10.25, to make up the amount in his hands,
also wrote to the printers’ acknowg, receipt of the Reports – went to
the P.O. to mail letters & procure a box, in which to seed 100 copies
for Gleason – came home, procured ladder, & trimmed the grape vine of
the south side of house - & this aftr. trimmed the other vines in the
garden – ground some more apples – put box order for Reports & put them
in this eveng. – also filled up handbills, & arranged acct. with
committee.
Tuesday, March 12,
1867
Cloudy – moderate rain most of the day – wind N.E. and chilly – I
finished packing, and secured Gleason’s box – put wrappers, upon over 20
copies of reports – put up other packages for committees – filled more
of the posters this eveng. – about 4o’c, this aftr, I harnessed horse &
conveyed Susan to D.D. Swezey’s, where she had been invited to tea –
also the Hawkinses. –
Wednesday, March
13, 1867
There was no rain, through the day, proved cloudy & damp – calm – I rose
5½o’c – wrote a number of letters, - to Gleason that I expected to send
Reports, (100 for him) tomorrow & put up more packages – directed a
number of the copies (single) – went to the P.O. soon after 10o’c, to
mail letters & - returned home & put up package for R.J. Osborn, which I
had an opportunity to send direct – also put up other packages – This
aftr. I went to Wampmissic, & replaced the broken light at the Yellow
House – reached home at dusk.
Thursday, March
14, 1867
A little rain during the night. – the weather became colder & early this
morning of snowed a little – The day proved cold, with wind N.W. – I
wrote 2 letters, & put up more packages & between 10 & 11, harnessed
horse, & drove to the station, to send by Express, packages for Mr.
Dricoll, & Dr. Thompson, & left the box for Gleason, to go east by the
next train – On my return, Robt. Smith came down with me, to see my
memorandum of Encroachments, in Patchogue, & there Jamie & I sawed some
slabs, at the woodpiles. This aftr, we pressed more apples, & expressed
the juice & then went below the tool house, & sawed up the remains of
one of the pine trees – later, I cleared out the henery, & put the
contents upon the muck pit – finished at dusk, & then dug some parsnips,
as the ground was freezing, -
Friday, March 15,
1867
The night past was cold, - ice formed and the mill pond was skimmed over
– Today clear & bright, but the air cold & raw – I put up some more
packages, wrote a letter to Dr, Carpenter. – went to the Post Office,
about 11o’c & thence tot he sawmill, where Jamie & I sawed off, the end
of the chestnut log, I carted there the other day. – I stopped at Mrs.
Hawkins’s to talk with Mr. Tuttle. This aftr. I put wrappers, upon more
copies, & made up several more packages, & soon after 3o’c, Jamie and I
went below and sawed off several sticks from a large pine tree, cut the
first one & - I split , for core wood nearly all we cut, yesterday &
today – 10o’c p.m.
Saturday, March
16, 1867
Cloudy – wind North Easterly and cold – Commenced snowing before 2 or 3
o’c this aftr, came fast - & continued this eveng. – I put some packages
this morng. & we cleared out the cider mill – saved some slabs at
woodpile – aftr. I harnessed horse & took the cider mill home, to J.P.
Mills – then went to the sawmill, & brought home, the sawn sticks of the
last pine log – I put the all the strips in to the wood shed & -
Sunday, March 17,
1867
This morng. 5 inches about, of snow had fallen. The storm commenced
again between * & 9 & continued nearly all day, though the snow was fine
this aftr. – wind, north westerly, & this aftr. west – clear this eveng.
– We remained at home, reading taking care of baby, who is troublesome.
–
Monday, March 18,
1867
The wind blew during the night - & the snow had drifted – clear, cold &
winterish, this morning I prepared to go to Riverhead, having been drawn
upon the Grand Jury – Soon after 12o’c, went to the station in a sleigh
– waited some time for the cars – reached Riverhead about 2o’c – Judge
Hedges, had to come on, in a sleigh, & did not arrive till after 3o’c –
At the opening of the court, the Grand Jury were called – The Judge
appointed me foreman – we were sworn, & he gave us a charge & - we went
to the Jury Room – and soon organized & went at work – till dark then
adjourned for supper, & at 7½ resumed our session - & kept up till
10o’c-
Tuesday, March 19,
1867
Clear & pleasant – quite good sleighing – thawed some, today, - We
resumed duties at 8o’c, & continues till about 7 P.M. with the
intermission for dinner – We finished all the business except one case –
This eveng. – I attended, at the Court House, - the lecture of Wm. H.
Gleason, subject, Castles, in the Air – he spoke about an hour – the
Court House was full – Monuf . & I slept together last night.
Wednesday, March
20, 1867
Clear & pleasant this morng. – froze during the night – thawed today –
We assembled at 8o’c & attended to list complaint, & found another bill,
making fourteen indictments – the district Attorney, J.H. Tuthill had
drawn them, & we went into Court about 10o’c, & were discharged – I went
to the village, on business, came back, & recd my pay from th County
Treasurer - & returned to Yaphank, with the mail train, - arriving soon
after 11o’c, - father went to see me at the station – Saw in the paper
today a notice of death of James W. Underhill – This aftr. about home
somewhat fatigued, - commenced paning th wood for the spokes – last
night at Griffing’s hotel, slept, with Charles Reeves –
Thursday, March
21, 1867
Cloudy – wind N.E. forenoon snowing – the wind blew freshly from the
N.E. this aftr. & eveng. & thawed the snow – I looked over papers,
father started, for New York to attend the funeral of James Underhill –
When Robert came back from the station we put the horse to the blue
wagon, & went to the saw mill & procured the chestnut boards - & put
then into the beer house – This aftr. I made a spring, to replace a
broken one in the blue wagon. – sharpened planes, chisels and an axe. –
spent most of the eveng. at Mother’s – By the paper today, we see the
death of cousin Nat. Coles, yesterday morng. – James, died the eveng.
before – Miss Penney called this eveng. to verify her school –
Friday, March 22,
1867
Cloudy & chilly – south easterly wind, - I looked over papers – cut a
glass for mother for a frame – went to the Post Office, - aftr. worked
in my sloop – preparing pieces for my wagon –
Saturday, March
23, 1867
The air was softer today – the sun came out and snow disappearing – I
put a new handle (long) to a shovel, the handle of which had failed – I
waked also putting a fork into a new handle – preparatory to having one
iron strap put on – Father came home with the mail train – This aftr. I
sawed off the ends of the chestnut boards (put into the bee house on
Thursday – piled them with sticks between – I went over to father’s &
later Jamie & I sawed off sticks from the large pine tree cut down some
time ago – finished cutting it, but not the splitting.
Sunday, March 24,
1867
Wind southerly – fair we remained at home today, reading –
Monday, March 25,
1867
It was raining this morng. when Robert conveyed me to the station, - did
not rain all day – but was cloudy – I went to New York with the early
train – arrived in due season – I went down to sell my U.S. bonds and
purchase Missouri sold my bonds & put enough money in the hands of James
Weeks, to buy & $5000 Missouri, he bought them aftr. at 95 1/8 – which
was lower than I expected – I called to see Edwin Coles, at the Brokers’
building – walked unsurely up town & arrived at Uncle Edwards soon after
5o’c, where I dined – this eveng. I called to see Aunt Julia in 35th
St. and also to Underhill, at 13 West 22nd St. returned to
Uncle Edwards & spent the night.
Tuesday, March 26,
1867
Clear & cooler – pleasant – I walked down town, called at Stuarts &
purchased some remnants of prints – walked on down town, calling at
several places – went to Wall St. & procured boards and left then with
Uncle Edward – reached James slip before 3o’c & returned home with the
eveng. train – father met at the station –
Wednesday, March
27, 1867
Cloudy & chilly – flurry of snow about 11o’c – I split some wood – The
Assessor (Medford) called this forenoon, & I spent some time in making
out my account revenue, for the past year – after he left I went near
the tool house, & split some cord wood sticks which Jamie & I sawed some
wood days ago. This aftr. I prepared a fork handle so that the
blacksmith, could iron it – went to the station for a barrel sugar, but
it did not arrive. – On my return, stopped at the mill & procured my
flour & - Jamie & I sawed some slabs & I finished the day by splitting
the pieces – Hoffensack called & I paid him, interest dues.
Thursday, March
28, 1867
Wind, Northwest & colder – cloudy part of the time, I looked over
accounts – Robert Weeks came in, awhile with us. – He left, for
Greenport, to inquire about church. – Soon after 12o’c. This aftr. I
harnessed horse & went to the station for my barrel which arrived, I
brought it home & put it into the cellar & then went below the tool
house, & commenced clearing off the hedger fence, west of the tool
house. –Jamie assisted me. – I worked till dusk –
Friday, March 29,
1867
High, North Westerly Wind, and cold clear. I went to the Post Office
this morning – then Jamie & I resumed work at cleaning the ledge and
vicinity. I worked at it this aftr., - and cleaned some brushes in the
edge of the swamp. – Jamie ‘s hand was blistered and he gave up using
the axe this afternoon.
Saturday, March
30, 1867
Wind westerly, blew freshly – air milder – I went to the hedge again and
after raking off the refuse branches & leaves, I commenced leveling the
bank, continued till 12½ o’c, and this aftr, finished leveling all we
had cleared. Removed bushes at the border of swamp, this eveng. set fire
to a heap.
Sunday, March 31,
1867
Clear, wind north westerly, & pleasant – Milder. The Chh. was opened
this opened this morning. & I read the service & a sermon – There was a
fair attendance on the short notice – We observed fire in the woods at
the west wards – it proved to be South Easterly of Coram – origin
unknown.- This aftr. I took Mary & the children on a drive as far as
“Hay Road”.
April
1867
Monday,
April 1, 1867
Cloudy, presumably began to rain – forenoon, showery – Aftr., the the
sun came out, & clear & colder at eveng. I oild two traps, & took them
to the stream & set them – worked in my shop – made a door sill for the
yellow house, form an oak plank – plowed some boards which are to form
the sides of a proposed wagon – went to the swamp, west of the tool
house, & cut down a pine tree – James came down & we sawed off a stump –
I wrote to Archie, this morng. – carried the letter to the P.O. – heard
that Thomas Ellison died yesterday –
Tuesday, April 2,
1867
Clear – cool, westerly wind. Soon after 8o’c, father & I started for
Fireplace to attend the funeral of Thomas Ellison – The lecture room was
full & I did not go in – The coffin containing the body was very large –
21 inches deep - & with the box or shell, entirely filled the body of
the wagon – Ellison was fleshly & probably weighed about 400 pounds – He
was a large eater of meats & the body was conveyed to Mid. Island for
funeral. We reached home before 12o’c – we heard today of the death of
Mrs. Harriet Paige, of Schenectady on Sunday. This aftr. Jamie & I sawed
the pine tree into cord wood, & then piled the roots, I removed last
fall from the peat – carted some old pine branches, & then I split the
pine sticks.
Wednesday, April
3, 1867
Wind north westerly – pleasant & clear – I filed, my large saw this
morng.- we sawed some white oak sticks at the wood pile – I went to the
swamp & after clearing away some brushes, I cut down another large pine
tree, & James came down & we sawed off a log and cord wood sticks –
which I split this aftr, & wheeled put into a pile _ I put my rifle in
order this aftr. & loaded it, to be ready for wild geese – At eveninng.
I set fire, to a heep of brush at the swamp, & Jamie raked off the
asparagus be & burnt the refuse stalks & I went to the store this eveng.
Thursday, April 4,
1867
Fair – high southerly wind – chilly – I went to the stream this morng.
to visit my traps, shot a muskrat, which I skinned today – This forenoon
I split out, rounds for ladders fifty or more – removed sled from the
horse, to close it under the Library – This aftr. I put a rope to one of
the large pine trees, & with Jamie’s assistance of the rope, I cut down
the tree & - which was near the border.
Friday, April 5,
1867
Cloudy – wind southerly, forenoon rainy – I went to the stream early
this morng –After breakfast, Jamie & I sawed the pine tree, cutting off
one log, & the rest into cord wood – I split one or two sticks & then
the rain came – I wrote to Mr. Nicoll, also to D.H. Osborn, went to the
P.O. – oiled the sewing machine – worked in my shop planing the pieces
for the wagon & - aftr. – I split the pine wood & piled it – went to the
stream this eveng. & baited traps with fish, (flat) which Robinson
brought along, this morng, -
Saturday, April 6,
1867
High, westerly wind – clear & cold – I went to the stream early this
morng. – after breakfast – put compost upon the west end of the
Asparagus bed, and Jamie commenced forking the soil – I assisted with a
shovel, & we finished about one third of the bed – We got ready to go to
Patchogue – Susie, James & I started soon after 11o’c & went across the
wood – arrived before 1o’c – I took Susie to see Miss Brown – Jamie and
I attended, an auction of furniture & I purchased a few articles – we
packed away our purchases in the wagon and I started for home soon after
4o’c – returned by way of Bellport – Called at Mr. Otis’s & gave him Ag.
Report and two branches of candle wood, kindling’s – we reached about 6
1/2o’c. –
Sunday, April 7,
1867
Fair – pleasant – at the chh. this morng. I read the service & sermon –
no one to play upon the organ – Miss Hawkins being in Brooklyn. This
aftr. Robert Smith & Chas Jones, called in & I went to father’s & took
tea with them.
Monday, April 8,
1867
Wind southerly – forenoon pleasant, & atmosphere smoke – aftr. cloudy –
We finished the asparagus bed this forenoon, I put on the compost &
Jamie did the chief part of the digging – I went to ousauce, to see if I
could catch a trout – nothing – returned & after raking over the
asparagus bed, I trimmed blackberry bushes – which I finished this aftr.
– I went about 5o’c, to the tool house with a rope I procured on
Saturday. – spent some time it out of tangle – Jamie came down & I
attached there thickness to a large pine tree, which leaned towards the
swamp - & the other end I secured, to an oak – put on pine sticks to
make weight & Jamie stood upon it too – I cut off the tree, but in spite
of my plans, it swayed towards the swamp – the rope broke & away it went
into the peat (moss), much to my regret. –
Tuesday, April 9,
1867
Wind southerly, the day proved fair & pleasant – I visited the traps
early – one bait gone – trap did not spring. I went to the store after
breakfast & procured some paint & put up tools, went to Wampmissic with
father & put a new sill at the south door of the Yellow house – painted
– adjusted some of the underpinning (stones) of the house – we reached
home again before 1o’c – This aftr. – We raked up the briars & refuse in
the garden – Jamie assisted me. – I made some wooden wedged – We went to
the swamp & blocked up the pine tree & sawed off one log & I cut off a
few branches – I went to the stream & baited trap, & this eveng. set
fire to the refuse in garden - & spent some time –
Wednesday, April
10, 1867
Forenoon fair – aftr. cloudy - & a shower – This forenoon, I finished
trimming the tree, laid planks, & carted out the branches – I set out
some parsnips for seed – put up some strawberry plants, (Agriculturist;
for Robt. R. Smith) Robt. brought over some cobs & then we carted 6
planks to the swamp, & brought back a load of wood – this aftr., I laid
the planks for rolling out the two logs, after Jamie & I had sawn up
part of the tree & cut off another log – I wheeled out the pieces we had
cut off – Jamie went home, & I went at work – to roll out the two logs –
one was feet long & heavy - I had a slow and laborious job, & muddy –
the planks to be moved & but finally at duck, I had them out upon terra
firma – part of the tree still remains, but the worst part it over. –
This eveng. made of the act. for the preservation of the woodland of
Suffolk Co. to be printed. – set out parsnips for seed. –
Thursday, April
11, 1867
Rain during the night – today wind Northwest, & clear. I went early to
the stream – found a live perch, & baited the trap. I planted some
strawberry plants in some bed near house, for Hallie, & Clara – prepared
the flower bed at the South West Side of the house – Removed the Maple
stump at the S.E. side of the house, & went to the locust cob & procured
a locust tree, and put it the place of the former. –
Friday, April 12,
1867
Clear & pleasant - I visited the traps as usual – prepared for another
tree at the S.E. side of the house – removed the soil &, went to the
locust cob & selected another locust tree & removed it & set it out –
James & I went to the swamp & finished sawing the tree, which had fallen
into the past – I wheeled out the pieces & this aftr. removed the
remainder of the branches & cleared off the fragments, & removed the
planks.
Saturday, April
13, 1867
Clear & cool – wind easterly – I went to the stream, as usual – After
breakfast, I went below the tool house & split the pine blocks, we sawed
off yesterday, & on my way back to the house, I removed scrub oaks, &
along the road - which occupied most of the forenoon – This aftr. we
cleared out the nests upon one side of the henery, On acct. of lice,
scaled the boards & I went to the store, procured iron, & directed
Biruim to make courtbook, came home & commenced sewing clover seed on
lob west of my house, - set fire to a heap of bushes in the garden. –
Sunday, April 14,
1867
White, frost visible this morng. – the day was fair, but chilly – wind
easterly – At chh. this morng., I read the service & a sermon – aftr. at
home –
Monday, April 15,
1867
High, southerly wind – atmosphere smoky – I went in to the stream –
returned & undertook to sow, clover seed, but found too much wind – This
forenoon, I cleared away (dug up) the raspberry bushed, north of the
apary, also dug out one peach tree & dug out the other, this aftr,
trimmed the branched & I trimmed some trees in the grove (which Robt.
had cut down) & cut them in pieces & Jamie drew them to the wood pile –
Robt. came with the, horses & wagon, & we carried the raspberries’ &
branches to the swamp, & carted up two loads of fire wood. –
Tuesday, April 16,
1867
Wind southerly – cloudy, & short showers – I went to the stream – cut
some wood at woodpile, after splitting some which James had sawed – I
looked over the papers, & then (nearly 12o’c) I commenced making a box
for Jamie – went to the P.O. between 1 & 2, & on my return, resumed work
upon box – Chester Taylor came down, to have, a tooth extracted – After
some examination, I removed it for him. –
Wednesday, April
17, 1867
Cloudy & damp – slight rain in forenoon – Aftr. fair – I visited the
stream as usual – Robt. came over with the horse & wagon & we carted the
decayed turf from the heap at the east end of the swamp & spread upon
part of my garden – also upon the Asparagus bed – This aftr., he came
over with the team & plow & we plowed the lower part of my garden next
to the Asparagus bed – I prepared some of the ground & Jamie set out top
onions for seed – I finished Jamie’s fox – Then took Mary in the wagon &
went to Mr. Wilmarth’s & took supper, by invitation – We came home
between 7 & 8o’c – The baby was left with Susie & James – Mother went to
Longwood to spend the night as Aunt Ellen was sick. –
Thursday, April
18, 1867
High, North westerly wind clear & cool – I went to the stream, soon
after 5o’c AM, I let the water out of the brook, caught eight pikes,
which had slipped in & eaten up all the young trout – I found only one
trout of any size – I came home between 7&8 - spread on compost &
ashes, & Jamie planted, top, & potato onions. – I cut down some stakes,
& secured the locust trees with cords & - dug off turf at the north side
of the bee houses – cut some wood at woodpile.
Friday, April 19,
1867
Cool – forenoon, wind north westerly, aftr., southerly – clear – I went
to the stream – returned and finished sowing the clover seed – This
morng. planted parsnip seed & lettuce, dug up clover, growing in old
strawberry bed – Aftr. went to the store & procured some beet seed &
planted it, also some radish – Miles came for some parsnip seed – sent
him to digging up some scrub oaks – I put some compost by the current
bushes & dug over the ground – Sheriff Shirley called & subpoenaed me as
a witness in case, - I do not think I know anything about it.
Saturday, April
20, 1867
Cloudy – a few drops of rain this forenoon – wind southerly & chilly –
This eveng. rain, lighting & thunder – I went to the stream between 5&6
– saw Tom Albin, prowling in the bushes with basket – This forenoon,
father & I went to Wampmissic, & put up some stakes a rod from my line,
as a guide for Mr. Shelton, in making inabies to put his fence nearer
the line – I cut a few locust trees near the Yellow house – This aftr.
James & I sawed some sticks of white oak, & fire wood, - I split out
some pieces of ladder rounds & - & split sticks for large firewood &
piled under west side of the shed, also piled the preparedge, which I
had sawed some time ago. – Rec’s Mr. Holden & family, arrived –
Sunday, April 21,
1867
Rain during the night – today cleared off – wind southerly, pleasant –
The chh. was almost full this mornig. – by attendance – Mr. Holden,
delivered a sermon & administered the communion – Easter Sunday – I read
the lessons & some of the other parts of the service – to assist him, as
he did not feel quite will – his text was “Christ is risen”. This aftr.-
I was in the house, most of the time. Towards eveng. I walked to
Ousauce – This eveng. Dr. & Mr. Holden called in – on their way home,
having been to father’s for tea – they stood till between 9&10o’c, -
Eddy was with them. –
Monday, April 22,
1867
High southerly wind – forenoon, sun & cloud, & slight showers – aftr.
cloudy & between 5&6 thunder shower. – I went to look at my trap this
morng. & discovered that they had been stolen – I suspect Tom Albin. – I
returned home much vixed – after breakfast I went across the stream, &
followed the Albin Path – saw fresh tracks leading up the R.R.
embankment – returned home, & picked over some potatoes – had a basket
full of decayed ones which I buried – I went to P.O. & thence to Mr.
Wilmarth’s, to tell him, to come for some strawberry plants, as I
expected to plow – I came home & opened some clams for dinner – Aftr.
Mr. Wilmarth came for the plants – Robt. came over the horses and we
plowed a part of the garden West of my house – I then went to father’s &
took one horse & wagon with compost - & by this time James ha returned
from the Post Office I put the horse to the plow & we furrowed for
potatoes, the ground which had been plowed – We then put compost into
the furrow, first, I plowed a long the row of trees - & we managed to
finish & get the horse out, an the rain commenced. –
Tuesday, April 23,
1867
Clear – wind North Westerly & cool – I spaded among the blackberry
bushes – After breakfast. I cut mercer potatoes, for planting. Then,
dropped them in furrows. – Hallie also dropped some of them - & Jamie
filled the furrows with a hoe – I then prepared some Western beds &
dropped & covered the rows – This aftr., - I removed turf at the north
side of the Beehouse – spread on the garden, and put in the heaps.
Wednesday, April
24, 1867
Cloudy & chilly – shower in the middle of the day & some cold rain, this
aftr. – This morng. I planted about 40 hills of Mercers at the east end,
south of the asparagus – also, applied compost, among strawberries &
spaded among them, went to the store, & procured my shoes, & piece of
linen – returned home & prepared to go to Riverhead –Father conveyed me
to the station soon after & I went to Riverhead with the mail train. I
went to the L.I. house – called at miller & Tuthills – found I had be
subpoenaed, when father was intended, I could therefore be discharged –
I went to the Court House at the opening of the Court – went below, &
attended the Sheriff’s Jury trial, in the case of Raws bottom, for
taking trout spawn, from Mr. Nicolls brook. – I went to the hotel and
procured supper, & subsequently, went to the Court House, & staid till
the eveng, session closed – Called at Griffin’s hotel & saw Mr. Van
Cott – returned to my hotel & went to bed about 11o’c –
Thursday, April
25, 1867
The day proved clear & pleasant – I rose between 5&6 – called at one or
two place, & went to the station before 7o’c, & returned home with the
an extra train – Rode home with J.P. Mills – I did some work in dressing
ladder rounds –slaked some him & this aftr.whitewashed, the vists in the
henery – looked over a paper & soon after 3o’c, Archie came having
walked from Huntington, having left there soon after 5o’c this morng. –
split & dressed materials for axe handles. –
Friday, April 26,
1867
Wind southerly, clear – aftr. chilly – I applied compost, & dug among
the blackberry plants. Robert came over with the wagon, after breakfast
& carted peat & spread upon the garden – till about 11o’c when he
resumed work of carting the branches (cut from the trees, which have
been cut down in the grove) into the lot south of my house, where they
are to be burned. This aftr. he came over with plow & both horses, & we
plowed the rest of my garden – Then took one horse & furrowed a part of
the ground & with Robt. Tiussist, applied the compost to the 8 furrows –
I subsequently, cut & dropped white peach blar potatoes, in 3 rows, &
Archie covered them. – I did a little work & woodpile.
Saturday, April
27, 1867
Light frost, last night – cool & wind southerly. This forenoon – aftr.
commenced raining about 2o’c. Considerable rain, but cleared off before
sundown – I went to the stream early this mornig. & noticed & boot
tracks leading into the place, where my traps had been placed – I cut a
stick and measured length – returned home, & applied compost 7 dry
among trees & - & after breakfast, I prepared red peach blooms, &
dropped them, & Archie filled the furrows – then with James & Archie, I
wen at work to put wood, into the shed. We finished two ranks acroos by
12o’c - & this aftr. carted in more till the storm stopped us – I
worked in my shop, at the wagon to.
Sunday, April 28,
1867
Clear & cool – At the chh. this mornig. I read the service & a sermon –
There was the usual attendence.
Monday, April 29,
1867
Cloudy & chilly – wind westerly and shower this aftr., & a little rain
this morng. I applied two barrow loads of compost along the
blackberries, & spaded the ground. This forenoon, we finished putting
wood under the shed – having it nearly filled – This aftr, - I finished
another wheel for the wagon . Archie & James cut potatoes this mornig.
to plant in the lot for father. –
Tuesday, April 30,
1867
Cloudy – wind southerly, mild – aftr. rainy – commenced rainig. before
noon – I applied compost & dug among the blackberries. After breakfast,
we prepared for planting potatoes. James rode the horse & I furrowed
with a plow – Robt & Archie dropped the potatoes – After making the
furrows, Robert took the horse & wagons, & procured manure & applied it
in the furrows – No potatoes, covered today. This aftr. I worked at the
wagon wheels & finished the four.
May
1867
Wednesday, May 1, 1867
Rain during the night – this mornig. damp & drizzly – showers
during the day – with thunder & lighting – first thunder shower before
12o’c – This eveng, cleared off, with North Westerly wind,. This
forenoon – I put up some strawberry plants for Cousin Danl. Youngs, also
4 small peach trees to send him, by Archie today who will start for
Huntington, & meet me in New York tomorrow – I carried two peach trees
to father’s & planted them. Robt. conveyed me to the station, about
11o’c – Archie went with the mail train & I walked home along the rail
road – stopping at Lewis Homans, during the first shower (thunder) – I
went to the P.O. about 1½ pm. – After my return – I went to father’s
with the axels of the wagon & did some filing, & regulating the nuts, &
came home & put on the wheels - & screwed all fast & snug. –
Thursday, May 2, 1867
Cool – clear & pleasant – father conveyed me to the station & I went to
New York, in th early train – arrived about 110’c, & found Archie
Waiting for me on the steamboat, which arrived about 9o’c, from
Huntington – We went through Fulton Market and procured something to
eat, & then went to a clothing establishment & procured a suit of
clothes for him – also shoes, hat & cap – then went to Wall St. – Saw
Uncle Edward, - went to the Brokers exchange & procured coupons – about
3o’c – went up town to Pike’s & procured dial & spectacular for father –
returned down town & reached the Staten Island Ferry in time for the
5o’c, boat, for Staten Island – We went to Thompson’s & spent the night
– we found Thompson, busy in his gardens grafting & -
Friday, May 3, 1867
Early this mornig., a snow squall at Staten Island, & at Yaphank, the
ground became white with snow. The day was cool, & fair – We left Staten
Island, with a boat at 9o’c, & came to New York, & I went up town & left
Archie at Henry G. De Forrests. – I went down town again & looked about
here & there – returned to DeForrests at 5½ o’c, & dined – This eveng.
they had a small party, for Mrs. Forster & daughter – John L. Weeks &
wife, & others were there – I went home with Kitty Weeks, to spend the
night – Archie remained at H. De Forrests. –
Saturday, May 4, 1867
The day was clear & pleasant, but cool – After breakfast at James’s, I
called at Henry’s, for Archie, & we took our departure – walked to Uncle
Edwards, & called there, for a few minutes – then left called at Stuarts
& purchased some socks & - then walked down to Bowery – I took Archie to
James slip at 2o’c, & sent him with baggage to Hunter’s Point – Between
2&3, I went Harper’s & purchased some books for the district Library –
Went with the 3o’c, boat to Hunter’s Point, & thence home in the cars –
father met us at the station. –
Sunday, May 5, 1867
Clear & cool – At the chh. this mornig. I read the service & sermon – a
small number present – Late in the aftr. I walked to the stream.
Monday, May 6, 1867
Mornig., clear & cool – aftr, cloudy & wind southwesterly. – I went to
work at the north side of the apiary to level the ground – after
breakfast, carted compost, to the West row of trees & briars, & Archie
spaded the ground, & finished the hire this aftr. I put up some seeds
for J.G. Thompson & carried the package to the Post Office, & at the
same time directed borrow, to make turf puller like my old one. – This
aftr. I prepared sticks for the plow to which to fasten the drags, for
making the furrows, & James rode horse, while Robt. held the plow, to
furrow for corn –
Tuesday, May 7, 1867
Fair – Cool – lighting & thunder, this eveng. – shower. – I regulated
the path to the bee house – After breakfast, carried six peach trees and
set them in the garden east of father’s – came home, & put compost a
long the next row of pear trees & blackberries, and archie spaded the
ground, except a part when the Agriculturist strawberry plants were
growing – this I attended to, and removed weeds. This aftr. I replaced
missing & poor plants of strawberries – split wood at the wood pile. The
pine, cut from the tree which fell into the morass. – planting corn was
commenced this aftr., James dropped, & Archie covered. – Robt. the
compost.
Wednesday, May 8, 1867
Much rain during the night – this forenoon stormy, aftr. – cessation &
preparing to clear – the wind has been, south easterly, - I have been at
work, constructing the box n body of the wagon for the children – all of
oak.
Thursday, May 9, 1867
Some rain during the night past – today, somewhat damp – cool – no rain,
cloudy – I sharpened my planes – worked upon the wagon – made cuts
for the axels to run in – Went to the store, & Smith’s shop, & had
some irons made – waited for the mail – This aftr. did more work to the
wagon – Mother started for New Y.
Friday, May 10, 1867
Clear & pleasant – Anniversary of the Great Fire of 1862 – I rose before
5o’c – put some peat into the compost pit – After breakfast got ready, &
Archie & I went to Wampmissic, & cut down locust trees near the Yellow
House, a brought home a load – arrived between 12&1 – This aftr. rested
awhile – fastened two of the wheels, cut some seed potatoes, which I
rec’d. yesterday from J.G. Thompson – split, & cut some refuse wood.
Soon after 6 o’c, took horse & wagon, & rode to Mr. Wilmarth’s, & gave
him a few of the seed potatoes, came home & carted part of peat to the
side of the pit. –
Saturday, May 11, 1867
Clear & pleasant – wind westerly – I worked upon the wagon, this mornig.
– James Albin called to get money on John Albins note. – I calculated
interest due, and went to the store, & paid him – went to see Corwin to
direct him to make ladder hooks – Returned home, & procured poles in the
woods, & put them to the hob, & grape vines, a dozen or more – this aftr.
went with Mary & and the children, to Nathl Miller’s – I went with him
into Ellison’s store, & looked at some of the articles to be sold at
auction on Wednesday next – We reached home about 6o’c, planted some
muskmelon seeds, - & part of the potatoes, sent in by Thompson. –
Sunday, May 12, 1867
Clear & pleasant - At chh. this mornig. I read the service & a sermon –
Only a few were there – as a stranger, held firte at the same
hour, at the Baptist meeting house – About 5o’c, in the aftr. – I walked
across the RailRoad, & went into the stream, some distance down, &
explored a little. – Mr. Mrs. Otis called at father’s.
Monday, May 13, 1867
Forenoon, clear & pleasant – aftr. wind southerly & chilly & cloudy – I
did a little work upon the wagon – then finished planting potatoes, sent
by Thompson – wrote a few lines, to him. – planted some hills of
cucumber - & planted a few potatoes, & sweet corn – Cut some asparagus
for Mr. G. Smith – who came with Mr. Egbert Smith, & went to Longwood –
Mr. Smith is about returning to California, & was calling upon his
friends to bid them farewell. – Corn planting finished today –
Tuesday, May 14, 1867
Thunder shower last eveng. commenced about 10o’c – rain in the night –
today damp & warm – This aftr. about 5o’c, heavy thunder shower which in
places, was accompanied by hail. This forenoon, I finished the car in
wagon, & oiled the whole body – split some wood at woodpile. – This
mornig. wrote out description of traps stolen.
Wednesday, May 15, 1867
Clear & pleasant – aftr. cooler, & shower between 7&8 Pm. – This mornig,
at 7½o’c, started with Archie & James to attend Vendue (auction)
of the late T.J. Ellison – we remained there (fireplace) till about
5pm. When we returned –
Thursday, May 16, 1867
Clear – cool – North West wind, - I rose early, & cleared out the bushes
in order to make a road, on the south border of the sprouts – I split
some wood at the woodpile & trimmed pear tree. Robert came with the
horse & wagon, & we went near the tool house, a procured a load of wood,
branches of pine trees, & carted to my woodpile. On the return we loaded
with scraps, & heaped them, to be burnt – We carted several loads of
each – Between 10 & 11, I drove to fireplace (Ellison’s), & procured
molasses, & nails, which I had engaged of Mr. Miller & Mr. Ireland –
reached home about 1o’c – This aftr. we removed the West room stove, &
shook the carpets & Archie dug some holes for vislous - & this
eveng. I went below the tool house, & set fire to heaps of brush &
roots. –
Friday, May 17, 1867
Forenoon, showery – after, cleared off – I put compost to the melon
hills – looked over the papers – This aftr. (with James & Archie) –
cleared off some turf &, while had been thrown out on the North side of
cranberry bed – Towards eveng. I planted melons, (water & musk).
Saturday, May 18, 1867
Clear & cool – wind north westerly – Archie & I went to Wampmissic &
brought home (after cutting them) several brush trees – the last fit to
cut at the Yellow House – We reached home soon after 11o’c – I went to
the P. Office – This aftr. I made a temporary handle for the camp
book & then Archie & I went below the tool house & rolled up the two
pine logs, - out the way, we cleared up the remains of several wob
heaps, to remove them from the turf cutting – upon one of the heaps, to
remove, we piled some old pine brush, to which I set fire, about
6o’clock –
Sunday, May 19, 1867
Morng. clear & pleasant – aftr. – cool, cloudy – At the chh. I read the
service & a sermon – We had fair attendance, though there was service in
the Baptist Meeting house at the same hour.
Monday, May 20, 1867
Rain during the night – This forenoon rainy – aftr- damp & cloudy, but
no rain – I copied my description of traps – Went to the border of the
swamp, & took cranberry, & put up, a small box of plants for Thompson, &
a considerable package for D.K. Youngs. – I went to the P.O. & mailed
box for Thompson – This aftr. I filed small saw – then, put one of the
bureau drawers in order – reviewed the sliding strips & split some
refuse wood.
Tuesday, May 21, 1867
The damp weather continues – a little rain & cool -. I finished clearing
up refuse wood –splitting &, - raked off leaves, & - Archie & I removed
the heap of stones, near the privy – Archie planted his dablias – This
aftr, put up his clothes & to start for Huntington, - I conveyed him to
the station at 3o’c, & he went with the mail train – After I returned
home, I dug out the plum tree near the cellar doors – it was dead – I
got ready to go to Greenport, - father took me to the station at 6o’c, &
I went with the eveng. train to Riverhead – Meeting of the Board of
Managers – at H.L. Griffin’s – Meeting in the supervisors room this
eveng – people of Riverhead offer, to give ground for a permanent
location of the Fair – We spend the night at Griffin’s –
Wednesday, May 22, 1867
Forenoon, drizzly North East storm – aftr. more favorable. – We remained
at Riverhead till the arrival of the mail train, & then went to
Greenport – Stopped at the Peconic House – after dinner – conveyance
were provided, & we went to view the proposed ground for the Fair –
at the south end of Moore’s farm – then rode to the north road & thence
to D.G. Floyd’s where we called, & went into the house – Afterwards,
rode to the sound, through Mr. Floyd’s land – returned towards the hotel
– Met Robby Weeks, & left the conveyance, to speak to him – I called to
see Wm. Z. King, to inquire whether his wife exhibited anything at the
Fair – Called at Chaplin’s – then walked to the pottery & procured some
small flower pots – returned to Hotel, & this eveng. the Committee,
(Greenport) came in, & accepted the conditions proposed by the board - &
we voted to have the next Fair at Greenport. –
Thursday, May 23, 1867
Clear – wind North Westerly – We left Greenport (7 of us) in a stage for
Riverhead, about 8o’c – Had a pleasant ride – called at Fleet’s, in
Cutchogue – Dr. Carpenter left us there. – We reached Riverhead about
12o’c – after dinner we went to look at the ground for the permanent
location – some disappointment manifest by the committee, & others
interested in having the Fair at Riverhead – that it should be held at
Greenport this year – however, a paper was drawn up addressed to the
committee, explaining the reason going to GreenP. We left Riverhead,
before 3o’c, with the mail train – I reached home about 4o’c – about
5o’c, I harnessed horse, & went to Fireplace to see (Squire) Hawkins, &
get him to issue a search warrant for Tom, & Geo Albin’s houses to see
my traps could be found – Arranged to meet the Constable Walter Hawkins
– tomorrow, at 1o’clock P.M.
Friday, May 24, 1867
Clear & pleasant – I took my gun & went to the corn lot to drive off
jaws, & collecting the corn, just coming up – put compost along the
grape vines, & spaded the ground – as soon as I finished dinner, I
harnessed horse & drove to the crossing of Gerard’s road and Yaphank
Avenue there I found the constable – We rode to Tom Albins house - &
examined it, but found nothing, that we were a guest of – Geo. Albin’s
wife was there & offered the key to her house & there & the constable
unlocked the door & went in – we found nothing here belonging to me – I
took the constable as far as the station. – on my return home, I brought
over, the plow & barrow (one horse) & harrowed the part of the garden,
not yet planted, then made furrows, for rows of beans. – then removed a
heap of brush, near the woodpile, & carted off a load of leaves, & after
unloading, that I raked up some pine burrs & carried them S.W. of the
tool house to be burnt.
Saturday, May 25, 1867
Mornig. calm & pleasant – clear – aftr. wind south westerly & cool –
Eveng. cloudy – I rose at 4o’c, & went to the lot to watch the corn – no
crows came near & but a few jays. – I came back about 6o’c – put compost
in the furrows, & prepared them for Lima beans – Hallie planted 4 rows –
After dinner, I harnessed horse, & taking Hallie & clara, drove to
Bellport to see Geo. Robinson, about working for me – he was engaged at
present in fishing – We returned by the Dock Road - & by Swezey’s –
stopped at J.P. Mill’s store, where there had just been held a fire
meeting – Sufferers, by the Rail Road fires last spring) – Nathl. Miller
rode down with me, & I gave him some asparagus. I then planted two more
rows of lima beans - & A swarm of bees issued about 10o’clock, this
mornog – I hived they afterwards returned to the old hive. – probably,
no guess.
Sunday, May 26, 1867
Considerable rain during the night – today fair, & cool – At the chh. I
read the service & sermon, to a small congregation. – this aftr. at
home. –
Monday, May 27, 1867
Clear & warm – I rose about 5o’c, & walked to the corn lob with my gun –
I trimmed some branches, which Robt. has cut off, the oaks, near my
house – After breakfast – removed some refuse from the cellar –
sharpened axe & stub hoe – went to the swamp with fork hoe, & removed
sorrel. Came home about 11o’c. to attend to a swarm of bees – hived it,
but I think the queen did not go in as they returned to the old hive –
This aftr. I drove out a stock of bees, but do not know whether there is
a queen among them – then opened new barrel of sugar – went to the swamp
again, & removed sorrel & roots.
Tuesday, May 28, 1867
Clear & warm – growing weather – distant lighting at dusk – eveng.
starlight – I went to the corn lob about 5o’c – pulled some sorrel at
the swamp – about 9o’c, went with father, to attend the auction of
Bartlett’s property – by the sheriff – the sale was postponed – A large
number of people attended. Doe looked over the premises – returned &
reached home, about 12o’c – A swarm of bees came out, which James hived,
but they returned to the old hive – This aftr. I carted some leaves from
the grove to near the brook, where the didelions were going to seed, &
covered the latter, & at dusk, set fire, & burnt all together. –
Wednesday, May 29, 1867
Pouring rain early this mornig.- The weather cleared & the day was
pleasant – aftr. distant thunder, & the wind came from the east & foggy
& shower about 9o’c, this eveng – I went to the corn lob about 6o’c –
thence to the stream, - Mr. Wilmarth called this mornig – I trimmed
branches in the grove – swarm of bees about 12o’c, - Removed the old
hive upon the old stand, & subsequently, found the queen there & put her
with the new swarm – This aftr. I cleared out sorrel & dug, over ground
of the higher ground, south of the tile bed .-
Thursday, May 30, 1867
Forenoon, damp & cloudy – aftr., fair, rain about 9o’c, this eveng. – In
the mornig. I assisted Robert in carting (loading) the branches which he
has finished trimming from the grove, carted them & made a heap near the
brook – This aftr. I wrote to Archie – carried letter to the P.O. & also
mailed a Botany for him – returned home & went to the south side of
cranberry bed & removed roots, (stubbing) –
Friday, May 31, 1867
North Westerly wind, clear & cool – I continued the work of yesterday
aftr. – between 11&12, went to the P.O. – went to see Chester Taylor to
get him to work for me – Father, Mother & Susie, went to Bellport to
visit Mr. & Mrs. Otis – Mrs. O has a young infant. Aft. I looked over
papers, & rested & then went at work again at the roots.
June 1867
Saturday, June 1, 1867
Clear & pleasant – This forenoon, at work in the garden – planted more
beet seed – sweet corn & marrow squash & - Mr. Wilmarth came down with
Isaac Robbins, to get a load of peat for compost – Aftr. I went again at
the roots. – Towards eveng. a man came along with blue fish for sale, -
I procured five, and cleaned them. –
Sunday, June 2,
1867
Mornig. pleasant – aftr. cloudy – wind southerly, & like rain – At the
chh. I read the service & sermon, to a fair congregation-
Monday, June 3,
1867
Rain in the night - & pouring rain this mornig. soon after 5o’c – Aftr.
no rain, but damp & southerly fog – This mornig. I prepared a letter to
H.A. Reeves – cut some wood at woodpile – Aftr. prepared furrows, by
putting in compost & ashes & planted some more Lima beans – trimmed
south side of hedge partly – This eveng. copying letter. –
Tuesday, June 4,
1867
Clear & pleasant – fresh westerly wind – I finished letter – cut more
trees in the south side of hedge – ground scythe, & mowed of sorrel &
grass, in various places – till 12o’c – A swarm of bees about 9o’c, this
Am – hived them – This aftr., - I spliced a new rope to the buckets, of
the barn well – hoed in garden and put compost &, about the grape vine
east from the tool house. –
Wednesday, June 5,
1867
Clear & warm – I rose early, & went across the stream to see what had
been cut, having heard an axe last eveng. – some one had been cutting
pine knots – I returned to the tool house and put the other grape vine
in order – gathered some roots, which Robt. had taken out in leveling
the heap of turf – went (this forenoon) at work upon the border of
cranberry bed – came home & found the striped bugs at work upon my
cucumbers – prepared tobacco decoration, but it was only
temporallyeffectional - This aft. – completed south side of the
border, and this eveng, we burnt some of the leaves in the grove –
Thursday, June 6,
1867
Clear – high South Westerly wind – pleasant – I mowed the grass near the
Aprairy - . This forenoon, Robt finished cultivating the corn for the
first time – I took the horse & cultivator & went through most of my
garden – then Robt. put the horse to the wagon, & we carted leaves from
the grove & put them in heaps at the north side of the swamp, where I
shell spread & burn them to kill the sorrel & - This aftr. I rested
awhile, & then carted more leaves & refuse from the grove – It was too
windy to set fire to the leaves this eveng.
Friday, June 7,
1867
Fair – wind southwesterly – fresh – I hoed along the border of the new
strawberry bed, drawing the soil to the sides – Went to the meadow, cut
out roots by a large stump at the border of the cranberry bed – graded
the border - & then filled in the ground at the west end of the tile
cranberry bed - & leveled it – came home soon after 11o’c , went to the
P.O. & thence to the side of Mr. Owen’s barn, which J.P. Mills, has just
been taking down & removing, to rebuild on the side where his barn was
burnt – returning, I called at Mr. Wilmarth’c & procured some lettuce –
This aftr. I bestowed more work upon the ground where I worked this
morng, & arranged the vines on the border – soon after 6pm, we set fire
to the leaves in the groves & burnt over in patches, all that we carted
till 8o’c, or after.
Saturday, June 8,
1867
Cloudy – wind north easterly & damp – Commenced raining before 12o’c –
aftr. stormy, with slight remissions at 5o’c. I went to the south side
of hedge west of the aprairy, 7 cut down a number a number of trees,
which shaded the ground by their branches – This forenoon, I carted with
horse & wagon, several loads of turf, which lay along the border of the
meadow, then carted a load of peat to the pit, & then procured the wood,
(a load) at the south side of the hedge – the rain had already
commenced, before I was through . This aftr., I rested awhile, & then
put a new bottom to the old oak pile – then went to the store & bought a
piece of band iron, for a hoop for the tub, ground an axe – went below
& finished arranging the cranberry bed wines at the west end – planted
some additional ones – came home with wet clothes – This eveng. made the
hoop & put upon the tub –
Sunday, June 9,
1867
Much rain last night – pouring rain – between 3&4o’c this mornig. –
forenoon stormy, wind, N.E. – aftr – ceased – we did not open the church
today.
Monday, June 10,
1867
Clear & pleassnt – cool in the mornig. but warm in New York – Father
conveyed me to the station & I went to New York with the early train –
arrived between 10&11 – called several places – Went to Wall St. – H.G.
De Forrest invited me to spend the night at his house – walked up town &
stopped at the Academy of Music to see the Japanese – after performance
– between 10&11, went to De Forrests & spent the night. –
Tuesday, June 11,
1867
Clear & pleasant – warm enough – I left De Forrests, soon after 9o’c –
called at 78 University place & saw Uncle Edward – walked down through
town through the Bowery, & bought some clothes & - made some inquiries
about stair rods for Mother – called at various places, & went to Wall
St. – took the 6o’c boat at James Slip & returned home with the eveng.
train – W. Seabury & Anne Paige, in the train going to Stony Brook –
father met me at the station.
Wednesday, June
12, 1867
Morng. fair – during the day, wind south westerly, & this aftr. cloudy –
I wrote to Harrison Osbourne in reply to a letter from him, appointing
next Monday, for me to come to Riverhead & lay out the track – I went to
the post office - & procured a rod of iron – went to the meadow &
removed grass, & removing the cranberries at the south side – aftr. cut
off a piece of the rod, for a stair rod, & covered it with paper, & took
it to Mother to look at – went below again & removed sorrel, & forked
sorrel & threw upon the heap – decided to mow of old Mauer bed, &
replant, as I had taken up some fine plants in forking off the sorrel –
selected plants & put into a basket, as long as I could see – John
Robert called to inquire about, strawberries – to give him some next
Wednesday.
Thursday, June 13,
1867
Some rain during the night – today, clear & one of the warmest days of
the season – late in the aftr. – thunder & lighting in the N.E. I rose
early – picked a few strawberries – went across the swamp with scythe &
mowed over the manor cranberry bed – hard work – came home to breakfast
– This forenoon – sharpened scythe, & mowed off grass west side of the
house – started to go to the meadow again, & found a swarm of bees in
the cedar, hived them – planted over the watermelons, another small
swarm insued, - hived them too, prepared a box to put on one of the
hive, & went to see Chester Taylor, to know if he was coming to work for
me – he agreed to come down this aftr. he came down between 4&5, & we
went below to look at the work – I agreed to give him $100 - to clear
off the turf from certain price – he is to begin next Monday – I hoed
over the Asparagus bed, - went across the meadow, & cleared off the
vines mown this mornig. – raked over the ground & mowed in places again
&, - removed some patches of grass & from the cranberry vines – Went to
see father, this eveng. – he was not feeling very well – discharged some
bloody matter – feel pretty well tired tonight –
Friday, June 14,
1867
Cooler – Clear & pleasant – I hoed some in the garden, to assist James –
drove the bees from one of the old hives, & removed the honey & combs –
sharpened spade – went across the meadow, & spaded a small portion of
the cranberry bed – cut up weeds with the shovel - & removed some in the
bed, with a knife – This aftr. I looked over paper & rested & then went
below & spread the leaves I carted the other day – came up about 5o’c &
harnessed horse, & took Mary & the younger children, a ride to S.W.
Randall’s where, I procured some lard – stopped at Mr. Tuttles on our
way home – This evenig., set some honey to draining.
Saturday, June 15,
1867
Fair – Fresh southerly wind – early this mornig. damp & foggy – I picked
some strawberries – Susan & Harriet picked several quarts – I thinned
the onion (California) – Randall called & I sold him 7 of my fowls (old)
– We have now only four left - & some chickens – I went across the
meadow & spaded part of the old cranberry bed – This aftr. I prepared a
slab by nailing a piece of plank in whieling out the turf – then spaded
more of the ground – came home, & strained the honey which had drained
out – went tot he swamp again this eveng. & set fire to some of the
leaves – too much wind for a general burning –
Sunday, June 16,
1867
Mornig, cloudy –
the day was fair – aftr- wind southerly, & husky – clouds – thunder
shower this eveing. At the Chh, this morning. I read the service & a
sermon . We are having plenty of strawberries –
Monday, June 17,
1867
Mornig., damp & cloudy – some rain during the mornig. – aftr. damp, not
rainy – I rose about 5o’c – spent an hour or more shooting robins –
which are depredating upon the strawberry bed – I drew another plan for
the track this mornig. Before 11o’c, father conveyed me to the station,
& I went to Riverhead with the mail train with my surveying instruments,
to lay out the track – Met Ferril & Osborn, at the station & Ferrel went
with me to the ground & we measured across the track - Afterwards Dr.
Carpenter & others came, & we discussed the location, & width of space
between the track – After deciding upon this. I proceeded to lay out in
certain points in it – We ran the central line, partly through the wood,
& fixed all the main points by sundown – I went to Griffing’s.
Tuesday, June 18,
1867
Rain during the night – high south westerly wind today - & cloudy – some
rain late this aftr. & evening – I expected to return home this mornig,
but concluded to remain & lay out the north curve of the track, which in
the woods – so I made calculating & notes though previously – I went to
see H. Perkins to get him to go for Hallcok Luce, (who had contracted,
to grade the track) that he might come with axemen, & assist in trimmimg,
as I could save them much work – Osborn, & I went to work alone, but
afterwards, Harrison, sent for Darrow( an Irishman – who assisted in the
trimming & we laid out the curve at the North End, & staked out the west
side – I got back to the hotel, soon after 1o’c & after dinner, Luce
cane in, having been to the ground, but not prepared to work – We talked
awhile, till it was time to go to the station to take the train, 2:50 –
I returned home, father met me at the station, after reaching home,
Hallie & I picked 8 or more quarts of strawberries – I put some in
boxes, for the Roberts, expected tomorrow.
Wednesday, June
19, 1867
Rain during the night, & shower this mornig – Aftr. fair & warm – I shot
some birds early this mornig – picked some strawberries, and went to
spade at the south side of the swamp – returned home, between 12&1o’c –
This aftr. John Robert called to get strawberries – I removed the honey
from an old stock of bees & complied them to take a new hive – went at
work spading again till dusk –
Thursday, June 20,
1867
Clear & warm – calm – I went out with my gun short time this mornig –
mowed off grass south from the house – Taylor came down to begin work, -
went to the swamp, & laid the planks & showed him how to proceed –
towards noon, I did more spading & finished the pieces this aftr. –
spent some time in destroying the striped bugs upon the young squashes –
This aftr. I wrote to W.F. Nicoll, & carried it to the Post Office –
thence went to Mr. Wilmarth’s. WE are having plenty of strawberries.
Mother & Susan returned home with the eveng. train –
Friday, June 21,
1867
Clear, calm & pleasant – warm – I went first tot he meadow – where I put
Taylor to work - & removed some grass starting within the length of a
plank on the last 8 years of spading – then, at the west end of the
cranberry bed, laid a slab in place of the plank, which I carried, to
use for wheiling the turf up higher – After breakfast prepared or
selected strawberries for preserving – Hannah Raynor called – treated
her to strawberries – Repaired the baby’s carriage – then went across
the swamp, & leveled the surface of the ground, I had spaded – This aftr.
looked over the papers, and at 3o’c, commenced going through my potatoes
&, with horse & cultivator – till 5o’c – afterwards, sawed off the top
branches of, a plum tree and rimmed it, & the apple tree near by – then
went below, & set fire to the leaves, which I carted the other day –
Taylor did not appear today-
Saturday, June 22,
1867
Clear & warm – I went below early this mornig, & laid some slabs, across
the ditch in place of the plank. Cleared of some bunches of grass –
After breakfast prepared some more strawberries for cooking – then went
across the swamp & raked over part of the ground, & planted strawberry
vines – This aftr. attended the raising of J.P. Mill’s barn, in place of
the one which was burnt – I picked some strawberries & prepared 5lbs.
More for cooking – Mr. Robert called for 4 qts. – We talked with him for
some time – I walked up to the store and carried two quarts to Norman –
On my return home (after eating) I hoed along the grape vines, - also
hoed the squashes – at the same time killed the striped bugs – . Went
across the swamp, & spaded some ground, - & picked up the tools – Am
fatigued & sleepy this eveng. as the writing indicates –
Sunday, June 23,
1867
Clear & pleasant – At the chh. this mornig. I read the service & a
sermon Mr. & Mrs. Bullinger, attended . They were married last Wednesday
– (19th inst.)
Monday, June 24,
1867
Mornig, cloudy & presently rain – aftr. fair, & warm – I mashed
dome combs, as the bees do not incline this season to mori the
honey – Went to fathers, & just down the new hall stair carpet, - after
taking off the old fixtures, returned home & mowed off grass south of
the house – did some garden – picked some strawberries - & we measured 4
qts. for picking – Picked some & put into a box to send to W. Nicoll, by
mail – when I reached the P.O. the mail was gone, so I walked to the
station & gave the box to the mail agent – returned home & found Marie,
Robert waiting for some berries – supplied her with 5 qts. Went across
the swamp, & prepared ground. Removed weeds, & - Mr. Walter sent me some
large strawberries.
Tuesday, June 25,
1867
Heavy rain during the night – today rainy & damp – This forenoon,
prepared letter & copied it, to W. Nicoll – finished this aftr., &
carried it to the P.O. – on my return, picked four quarts of
strawberries for Mother, to preserve. Broke up the honey comb from the
last hive, from which the bees were driven, & set it draining - &.
Wednesday, June
26, 1867
Forenoon fair, & prospect of clearing, aftr. cloudy & later rain, & rain
this evenig. – I tied up the young grape vines, & hoed in the hire of
peach trees – destroyed bugs abou the roots of the peach trees – Went to
the meadow , & destroyed grass going to seed & carted out branches of
swamp grass & removed old peperidge stump. – This aftr. I went below
again & removed grass &, below the spring to prevent the seed. – We
still have plenty of strawberries, & sell some every day. –
Thursday, June 27,
1867
Moring, prospect of clearing - aftr. cloudy & rubbed sprouts from
potatoes in order to sell 2 bushels - & did other small matters till
11o’c – when I went below & cleared more grass & trimmed under grass
just starting – this aftr. – put honey in jars & continued work of the
morning. & cleared off bunches of grass at the foot of the bank east
side of the pond – put sewing machine in order.
Friday, June 28,
1867
The weather was clear, & the sun came out, warm – I went below & cleared
off bunches of grass & - also this aftr. & removed stump & roots – I
tied covers upon the honey jars, & plastered a mouse hole in the bee
house – killing the mouse.
Saturday, June 29,
1867
Clear & pleasant – bright & warm sun – I rose early, & put boxes on
three hives – then trimmed some trees south side of the hedge west of
Apiary – went across the meadow, & worked upon the ground, leveling &
digging , to enlarge the cranberry bed – This aftr. I prepared a portion
of the ground & planted cranberries – while at work, between 6&7 Mr. &
Mrs. Bullinger called – I picked over, & selected some of the best
strawberries for sale. Mr. Robert called for Lane – This evenig went to
see Taylor.
Sunday, June 30,
1867
Clear & pleasant – At the chh. this mornig. I read the service & one of
Blaire’s sermons – “Boast not thyself of tomorrow” – We had a larger
congregation than usual. Mr. Bullinger & wife, & Mr. Lord & wife - &
This aftr. I took Mary a ride to South Haven – Clara & the baby went
along.
July
1867
Monday,
July 1, 1867
Clear & very warm – I rose between 4&5 & went to the church & removed
the decayed pieces at the foot of one of the pillars – after breakfast,
went again & took the measure &, & ascertained how to repair it – came
home, & went at work to prepare pieces, for repairing – This aftr. went
again & made necessary repairs – Wilson Whitbeck is painting the
upright, of the chh – late in the aft, I came home & after getting 3qts.
of strawberries for Mr. Robert, who was waiting, I walked to the meadow
with him & showed him the cranberries – I worked along the rows of Lima
Beans, in order to put the brush to them tomorrow. –
Tuesday, July 2,
1867
Clear – not quite so warm as yesterday. I finished the Lima Beans, &
did, some other hoeing - & then with the assistance of the children, put
the brush in the rows, then went across the meadows, & continued work of
grading, & spading ground – adjoining the cranberry bed which I dug,
over – Went to the store about middle of the day – returned, ate dinner
& rested awhile - & later returned to my work across the swamp, &
finished the leveling – set fire to the cranberry vines which, I had
mown off & spread over the sorrel – they burnt freely – about 7o’c, set
fire to a heap of brush at the east side of the swamp, - the last we
carted from the grove – it did not burn very well –
Wednesday, July 3,
1867
Clear & warm – I rose early – shot at birds & picked a few strawberries
– hoed the Lima beans, at the south side of the hedge - & after
breakfast, put the brush between the rows – Went to the south side of
the meadow, carted off tufts of grass & - & then laid the planks for
work towards the north side – This aftr. I went to Ousance, with Harriet
& the 3 younger, & we went in bathing, except Laura – I then resumed
work & cut off a stump, & wheeled out that, & some grass removed, - the
cranberries vines are now in full blossom & look very fine –
Thursday, July 4,
1867
Clear & warm – rain is needed – distant lighting this eveng. – I rose at
4o’c removed a box of honey – the first swarm – sharpened scythe, &
mowed of the grass &, on the path , across the Locust lob – hoed, melons
&, near the bee house, - procured the horse & wagon, & carted 3 loads of
leaves, to the border of meadow, & then carted two loads of peat to the
compost pit – it was now 12o’c – this aftr. I was at work to make a
cylinder for firing, (with powder,) to be placed in the ground – soon
after 4o’c – I took Mary in the wagon & went to Mr. Hawkins’s, to call
upon the married parties – they were dressed in the wedding suits & - we
staid only a short time & then returned, for father & mother to go up –
the younger children went with them – I went at work, & set fire to the
several brush heaps in the lob below the potatoes – they all burnt well,
- I finished between 8&9 o’c –
Friday, July 5,
1867
Mornig, cloudy, & shower (light, about 11o’c) aftr, fair – warm – This
forenoon, at work with bururn, removing roots & - came home about
11o’c, wrote to Harper's, to renew subscription to the Weekly – went to
the P.O. – purchased dome jars for strawberry sweetmeats. – This aftr.
boiled out some old combs, & collected the wax, - In the box, I removed
yesterday, I discovered some brood combs, - (drone & worker) filled. I
therefore removed the honey from the box and separated them – towards
eveng. I went across the meadow & set some cranberry plants – Eveng.
sick at my stomach, Wm. Seabury & Ellen, arrived with the eveng. train,
& are staying at father’s
Saturday, July 6,
1867
Mornig, damp & misty – the sun came out warm, - aftr. – about 5o’c,
became cloudy, & at dusk – 8 O’clock there was a thunder shower. This
forenoon, I constructed a box with glass ends, for the bees to put honey
in – I wrote a letter to Norton Raynor – between 12&1 o’c I went to
father’s to dine – after dinner sat awhile with Wm. Seabury, under one
of the trees – came home, & went to the meadow, - found Taylor at work,
- I superintended, for awhile, & then went at work removing grass & - &
subsequently fire, to some leaves, & a heap of roots, Mary Seabury
arrived with the eveng. train.
Sunday, July 7,
1867
Clear & pleasant, sun bright & warm – Revd. Wm. J. Seabury preached at
the chh, this mornig. & administered the communion – service this aftr.
again at 4½o’c – Mr. Ballinger was Baptized, and our youngest child
under the name of Francis William – After the service I walked around my
grounds with Wm.
Monday, July 8,
1867
Clear & warm - & after making a fire in the basement, & putting and
waited to be heated, I took my scythe & went below the tool house
& removed off weeds, &, on the ground, where the turf is to be wheeled
out & on the heap of turf, & along , the hive of plants for the next
cutting – also moved some of the grass below the potatoes – to use it
for burning – This forenoon – I continued work of cleaning off weeds &
grass on the meadow – This aftr. I rested awhile, & then went below, &
across the meadow, & planted more cranberry vines - & wheeled off more
grass. Mr. Seabury returned to New York this mornig.
Tuesday, July 9,
1867
Clear & warm – aftr. dark clouds, & shower towards eveng. – I rose
early, & drew some water &, to assist mary – Went to the swamp with
scythe, & mowed off weeds, &, near the lower drain – I removed a box of
fine honey, & put on the box. I prepared on Saturday – This forenoon,
went below & wheeled grass & - On my return to the house, found a letter
from Terrel, - informing me other matters, that they we now at work
clearing off inside of the track – which was entirely contrary to my
views and directions – I determined to go to Riverhead this eveng. & see
what they were doing – This aftr. I went across & set out more cranberry
plants, though, previous I went into the locust lob 7 raked up, a barrow
load of the dried grass, (cut on the 4th) & carried across
the meadow, & near the cranberry bed, to spread over, & burn on the
sorrel there, to destroy it – set fire to part of it – I came home
between 5&6, & prepared to got to R.H, father conveyed me to the
station - & I went on, in the eveng. train – As soon as I arrived – I
went to the ground, Mr. John Wood, who happened to be at the station –
we went into the wood & found that they had attached the timber inside
of the track, & had even, begun to cut the timber inside of the track, &
had even, begun to cut the timber into cord wood – The rain commenced &
we returned to the village. This eveng, I went to see D.H. Osborn - &
called a second time about 9o’c, & after waiting awhile he came home – I
talked with him, & agreed to go with him to the ground, early tomorrow
morning – I staid at Griffin’s hotel –
Wednesday, July
10, 1867
Clear & pleasant – The day was not very warm – I rose about 4o’c, &
presently went to Osborns & called him, & we went to the ground before
5o’c - & took a survey – all around – I consider that much injury has
already been done – I came back to the Hotel, & after breakfast returned
home with the mornig. train, walked up from the station – prepared a
Certificate of Life Ownership, for John Wood - & wrote him a few lines,
& enclosed them – went below the tool house, & found Taylor at work – he
had completed the first cut & was engaged in carrying off the roots,
thrown out, - I assisted him, in laying the planks, &, - &, then I went
to work, wheeling out grass, weeds & - This aftr. – I rested & looked
over papers, & at 3o’c, - loaded a barrow, with grass & carried across
the meadow, & after spreading it – I finished planting the ground
prepared for cranberries at that place – then wheeled put more growth on
the surface, & laid my planks again –
Thursday, July 11,
1867
Fresh southerly wind – warm & fair – I mowed (before breakfast) in the
pine lot, & also near the house – This forenoon, at the meadow, clearing
the surface, of grass &, This aftr. – at the same work, soon after 4o’c,
the children came down, & assisted me, in removing weeds, along the
border, opposite the tool house – Mr. T.J. Mount arrived at father, &
called in to see us this eveng.
Friday, July, 12, 1867
Cloudy, & warm, with a light shower between 11&12 – The sun appeared
about 9o’c – aftr. cloudy, with drops of rain - & this eveng. gentle
rain – calm – Early – I mowed off the weeds on the turf heap, below the
tool house – Mr. Mount & Mary Seabury came over about 8o’c, & we went to
look at the cranberries – they came into the house, & I showed them
some objects under the microscope – Mr. Mount went with Mary Seabury, to
visit the school in this place, I resumed work, removing weeds & - Went
to the store between 12&1o’c, this aftr. wheeled of more weeds.
Saturday, July 13,
1867
Continuous rain last night – today, clear, the sun bright & warm – cool
in the shade – This mornig., wrote a letter to A.J. Terrell, in relation
to the Fair Ground – soon after 11o’c, took my scythe, & went across the
meadow, & mowed off weeds & sorrel, & also on the piece of ditch bank,
remaining at the East end – Came home to dinner between 1&2, & about
3o’c, harnessed horse, & took Mary, baby & Harriet, & drove to
Wampmissic – called to see Shelton, & then went to the Yellow House, &
so eastward, & across to the lower street in the Manor, - stopped in a
few minutes to see Hannah Raynor – reached home about 7o’c – cut a
little wood at the wood pile –
Sunday, July 14,
1867
Clear, cool & pleasant – At the chh this mornig. – I read the service &
a sermon & this aftr. I took Mary & Julie to the Presbyterian Chapel –
Vegetation never looked better.
Monday, July 15,
1867
Clear & pleasant - I rose early, & mowed north & east of the house –
drew water & - This forenoon, at the swamp, removing grass &, - Went to
dine at father’s – This aftr. went at work again, & about 5o’c – taken
with lameness & on one side of my back – forced to give up work, much to
my regret. –
Tuesday, July 16,
1867
Mornig, fair – aftr. cloudy & cool – I did not attempt to do any work
today, on the acct. of the weakness in my back – read the home journals,
which had been accumulating. Went to the P.O. between 11&12, after
writing to Archie, - towards. Eveng. – a little misty rain – I went to
father’s & put up some wheat & carried to mill –
Wednesday, July
17, 1867
Fair & pleasant – I resumed work again today – somewhat continuously – I
raked up the grass in the pine lot, & carried to the border of the
grounds, & this aftr. set fire to it to destroy sorrel – also took a
load from, around the house, & carried across the meadow & spread it – I
wheeled off some grass &, after Robt. had finished cultivating the field
of potatoes, we went through, several rows of mine – This aftr. & I did
more work upon the meadow, & came home before 6o’c, & prepared to go to
Mr. Wilmarth’s to tea by invitation – I walked up, Mother & the
Seabury’s were ther – after tea, went across the road to speak to Tunis
Whitbeck, who returned from Delaware, a few days ago. – Then came home
& harnessed the horse & took Mary & Ellen Seabury & Susy to Longwood, to
make call – We returned home 9&10 – P.M. –
Thursday, July 18,
1867
Forenoon, pleasant – sky partly overcast – towards eveng. rain, with,
distant thunder – We rose about 5o’c – I mowed off part of the grass &
clover, upon the old strawberry with early train to Deer Park, - thence
cleared off grass - & - came up, about 10o’c, This aftr. , at work
against - & towards eveng., Taylor, met him on the dam & he went with
him to look at his garden –
Friday, July 19,
1867
Rain during the night – Mornig. Damp – The weather looked like clearing
– some clouds & thunder. I finished morning off the strawberry bed – and
raked off the grass & - & mulched blackberry bushes and pear trees as
far as it would go. Robert came over with the horses, & we plowed the
strawberry bed, then I helped him plow a few furrows, in the lob the
potatoes – (now in weeds) – he plowed the rest, & at noon, I sowed on
the ground, 10qts. of buckwheat – This aftr. he harrowed the ground
twice – I went to the meadow & removed grass & - & towards eveng. I went
to Taylor’s with Harriet, & procured some peas –
Saturday, July 20,
1867
Mornig, fair, & the sun out – aftr. cloudy, & between 3&4, commenced
raing. – and the rest of the day, stormy, - I went to father’s and
procured ice – dug some new potatoes – came up soon after 10o’c, &
prepared to go to the station – harnessed horse & went about 11o’c, -
Archie & James arrived with the mail train – This aftr. I rested a
while, & then went again to work – the rain commenced & I left off, till
it ceased for a time, but it came once again, & I was obliged to give up
– Dr. Holden & his son’s, & 4 children of the Revd. – remained to supper
at our house, & till 9o’c, this eveng. – The Dr. read the budget of
Fair, & the Revd. studied puzzles –
Sunday, July 21,
1867
Clear, cool & pleasant, with Northerly wind - Revd., Mr. Holden,
officiated at the chh, this mornig., & again at 5o’c this aftr. – good
attendances.
Monday, July 22,
1867
Considerable rain during the night – This morning., cloudy – the sun
came out & the day proved fair & warm, - I went out soon after 5o’c, &
after grinding scythe – mowed some of the grass at the west end of
buckwheat lot, then went to the meadow & mowed off the growth on a strip
next to the border – This forenoon, finished the meadow, - This aftr., I
trimmed some of the pear trees, & then went below, & removed the planks
further south, & commenced cutting a drain, & pushing under, bunches of
grass &, which had just started – Taylor was at work today removing turf
– he did not come before 9 or 10o’c –This eveng, James being out, I went
as far as Dayton’s to look for him – he came home between 9&10 –
Tuesday, July 23,
1867
Clear – bright & warm sun – I went below the tool house & dug a drain,
running towards the south, to let off the surface water. This forenoon,
& part of the aftr. continued the drain begun yesterday, & raked under
grass &, - after finishing this work this aftr. I came to the house, &
went to Ousance to be with the younger children – then went at work,
removing grass &, from the central part of the swamp, wheeled to the
turf on the west – Taylor finished, 2nd strip today, at
sundown. –
Wednesday, July
24, 1867
Clear & warm – aftr. – wind southerly – I rose early, sharpened scythe,
went to the meadow, where Taylor is working, & mowed off the growth,
near his line of cutting – then went to the south side, & mowed off
sprouts, & around the small cranberry bed among the trees – This
forenoon, - removing grass & - & again this aftr. & set fire to several
traps of refuse, & later set fire to the heap of branched, at the east
side of the swamp, which were carted to the grove. –
Thursday, July 25,
1867
Forenoon, - clear & warm – aftr. cloudy & sultry – thunder shower
between 3&4, & the day closed sultry & damp – I went below, & removed
grass &, till 7o’c . This forenoon, prepared the incline plane and
platform, for the car, I made some time since – aftr. – I
finished, & put the car in order – Aunt Ellen & Mrs. Williams, & others
were down to father’s from Longwood, & we expected to have a picknick in
the grove, but the rain prevented, - however, they came over, and rode
in the car, & the children were much pleased with it - We went to
father’s to tea, & ice cream – Archie played the flute for them to dance
– Jenny Jones & Mary Gaudy were at the party –
Friday, July 26,
1867
Much rain during the night – this mornig., damp – forenoon cloudy – I
went below & remowed the grass & - & this aftr. I laid & adjusted
boards, for the car to run on – which occupied till nearly 5o’c – Mr. &
Mrs. Wilmarth, & Mrs. Clussman came here to tea – also to Mrs. Hawkins –
father & Mother – I conveyed the Wilmarth’s home. –
Saturday, July 27,
1867
Rain again early this mornig. – day damp, & cloudy – some mist – This
forenoon, I continued work of removing grass, & - & then pushed under
all growing plants upon a part of the peat ground – which was spaded
last fall – I walked to the store at eveng.
Sunday, July 28,
1867
Clear & warm – fresh southerly wind – towards evenig. – dark cloud in
the west, with the lighting – At the Chh. this mornig, I read the
service & a sermon – This aftr. I took a walk, eastward, & northward,
into the hills, & gathered a few berries.
Monday, July 29,
1867
Some rain early this mornig. – but not much from 5o’c, to 9am, after
that for an hour or two, heavy shower, with thunder – I went to the
meadow, before, breakfast under grass & - commenced trimming some pear
trees, north of the bee house – James let the full bucket go down the
well, and knocked the other from the chain – I fished it out, & put it
in order again – picked some snap beans – went to work again, obliged to
leave by reason of the rain – I wrote a letter Wm. Nicoll – This aftr. I
finished trimming the pear trees, or rather heading them in – Went below
& extended a drain – then went to the south east part of the swamp &
turned under grass & which had commenced growing – Archie came down, &
pulled a quantity, which was beginning to blossom – Van Horn (Young)
called to see me to get to survey a piece of land for him – I concluded
to go tomorrow mornig – Taylor finished the 3rd strip.
Tuesday, July 30,
1867
Clear – cool & pleasant – I went to the meadow & mowed off bushes &, -
About 7o’c Archie & I started in wagon with surveying instruments for
Tam Horn’s – I made the survey & then the necessary calculations, &
located the west line of the home – This afternoon, I repaired the
headboard of a bedstead, which had been broken, this mornig – later in
the aftr. went to the meadow, & removed grass &, &, laid the planks
again, at dusk –
Wednesday, July 31,
1867
Clear & pleasant – I rose between 5&6 – wrote a letter to H.A. Reeves, -
This forenoon, removing grass & - till 12o’c – This aftr. I went to the
Manor, with father, to attend the sale of Wilbur’s articles but the sale
did not take place – We remained awhile at the station & then returned
home, arriving – about 6o’c – went to the meadow & removed grass &, till
dusk.
August 1867
Thursday, August 1, 1867
Mornig. fair, & cool – the sun came out – Aftr. cloudy – wind South East
– rain, this eveng. I went early to the meadow, & removed grass & - also
from 9 to 12, - this aftr, rested & looked over the papers – then went
down again, & with Archie’s help, put some dry pine brushes upon a heap
of roots, to which, I subsequently set fire. I went on with work of
removing grass & gathered most of the onions, in my garden, today.
Friday, August 2, 1867
Much rain fell last night – today stormy, wind North Easterly – very wet
– I went early to the meadow & removed grass & - also again between 8&9,
but the rain came on & returned home – made calculations & map of
Riverhead – Completed this aftr. – went below again towards eveng. & cut
a drain, & laid the planks –
Saturday, August 3, 1867
Today, damp, & showery – the sun struggled to appear several times, but
the day closed with rain – I went to the meadow, at 4½ Am. & removed
weeds & - After breakfast, sharpened father’s saw – procured ladder &
some wire & extended the trellis for the grape vine, at the South East
side of the house – Went to the P.O. at 11o’c, & thence to Taylor’s –
saw his rubber boots – feel convinced that he took my traps – This aftr.,
went to the meadow again, & completed the removal of the grass & -
pulled some weeds in the cranberry bed – Came home & ground my scythe, &
soon after 4o’c, went to the east side of the swamp, & mowed off the
weeds & grass, & then also at the south of the dam – till dusk – I was
out in the rain. – Came home wet. Taylor called this aftr. & I paid him
$12. –
Sunday, August 4, 1867
Fair & pleasant – At the chh. this mornig, I read the service & a sermon
– I went to din at father’s – Mary & Ellen Seabury were there.
Monday, August 5, 1867
Clear & warm, sultry – I rose early & after drawing some water for Mary,
I took my scythe, & went to the south side of the meadow, & commenced
mowing off the weeds in the heap of turf – at 7o’c, came home to
breakfast went down again & finished the weeds on the heap by 9½. – got
ready to go to Riverhead, before 11o’c, father conveyed me to the
station – Archie walked down. – We went to Riverhead by the mail train –
after leaving some things at Griffin’s we went to see Osborn, & then
went to the ground, & took the course east side, & commenced measuring &
running the line northerly – Osborn came up with Geo. Betts, after
dinner - & Bettes assisted in trimming. We had some delay at the N.E.
corner, as the distance required, went into the land of the Jra.
Lane – I decided to cut across the corner - & we established the
starting place of the North line & there stopped work for the day,
sometime after 6 –
Tuesday, August 6, 1867
Some rain during the night – Mornig. cloudy, the day proved warm, a
shower about 2pm. – Archie & I started out about 6½ o’c & continued the
North line – Mr. Tail came up, & showed us his land, which was taken in
by the line - & I ran up the West line through the woods & measured Mr.
Tails land - & finished about 12o’c – We returned to the hotel, & laid
down some of the lines, on Map – aftr. I went to the ground again, &
measured the distance from the central line (across the ground included
with in the track,) at the north end to Mr. Tails, east line – 78 links
– returned to the hotel – afterwards, went, up with Ferrel & Osborn, &
measured the width of Terry & Douris’s land at the south end – We
returned home with the mail train, (2:00) James & I dug the remainder of
the Mercer potatoes west of the house – several bushels.
Wednesday, August 7, 1867
Misty – the mornig – the day proved clear & warm. I rose at 5am. & went
across the meadow & mowed off the growth below the turf heap, &, till
after 7o’c – came home to breakfast – This forenoon – I trimmed the
blackberry bushes which have grown very much this season. – Archie,
raked up the potato tops, & the trimming, & carted them off – Between
11&12. When father came home from the P.O. – he was accompanied by J.G.
Thompson & Genl. Sigel – I was introduced to the General, went home with
father ti dine – I picked some Lewton’s & carried over. Mr. Mount was
there to dinner – After dinner, - Thompson & the General walked over
with me & went to look at the cranberries - & then sat down in my house
for a few minutes – when father conveyed Thompson tot he station, to
take the mail train. – The General remained at my house, till father’s
return , - when they went to Wampmissic to look over land, which was the
object of the General’s visit – I gathered the balance of the parsnip
seed, & James, gathered the tops onions, & we cleared off the ground &
planted some beet seed – I went to father’s to tea - & spent the evenig.
– the General was there.
Thursday, August 8, 1867
Mornig. damp – the sun came out, & the day was clear & warm – I rose
early & ground the axe, used by Taylor – I went to fathers soon after6,
& took breakfast – Father conveyed the General to the station to go to
New York with the early train – I harnesses the other horse, & with
Archie to assist, carted 5 loads of peat, & spread the upon the ground
from which, we removed the Mercer potatoes – I then put the horse to the
cultivator, & went over this ground, & over the ground, which had been
cleared of strawberry vines – then went over the former with a harrow –
finished about 12o’c – This aftr. Archie & I raked the ground, &
gathered some heaps of refuse. After spreading upon it nearly two
barrels of unleached ashes – We then went South west of the tool house &
commenced clearing the bushes on the swamp –
Friday, August 9, 1867’
Mornig. misty – then sun cam out day & warm – I rose early 5o’c – took
scythe & mowed off grass along the path across the grove, the mowed &
pulled weed & briers upon the turf heap, below the lot – Also, mowed off
bushes, where Taylor is at work, preparing a diagram of the Fair Ground,
& calculated contents of the parcel, in order to draw deed – late in the
aftr. we removed the heaps of refuse from the garden, & after raking it
– We laid out the lines & commenced planting strawberry plants – I
picked some fine Lewton’s today. – Wrote to Publishers of Times,
inclosing $10 to renew father’s subscription.
Saturday, August 10, 1867
Mornig – cloudy – wind southerly – the sun – came out warm – ground day
– between 4&5 P.M. – black cloudy in the north, with distant thunder –
about 5o’c. Commenced raining – showers, between this & dusk – Before
breakfast, I arranged the places for the rest of the strawberry plant –
This forenoon, we set part of them, leaving about 2o’c, for this aftr. –
I wrote out the descriptions of the parts of the fair ground, and with
other matters, enclosed it Terrell , - This aftr. I looked over papers -
& then we went at work to finish the planting of the strawberry’s – The
rain came up before we were quite done – so I finished it, just before
duck –
Sunday, August 11, 1867
Clear & pleasant - At the church – this morinig. I read the service and
a sermon – quite a number in attendance – I picked some fine
blackberries today (Lewtons) & sent some to Mrs. Hawkins –
Monday, August 12, 1867
Clear & warm – I rose early, & after, draining water & making a fire. I
hoed the rows of blackberries north of the house – picked some Lewtons
in father’s garden – Archie & I went below, out the east end of the
meadow, & turned under grass &, to prevent seeding at the west end of
the meadow – I wrote a letter to Mr. Nicoll, that I thought of writing
him Thursday. –
Tuesday, August 13, 1867
Clear & pleasant – wind South Easterly – This morning. I dug the balance
of Mercers, near the asparagus – did some hoeing in the garden – Archie
& I went to the east end of meadow, & turned under grass & - This aftr.
looked over the papers, - then went to the west side of meadow, & took
down a number of trees -. Archie had cleared off the bushes – Father &
Mother went to Mastic. –
Wednesday, August 14, 1867
Wind southerly & warm – sky overcast – sprinkle of rain early this
mornig. – I spent some time in replacing strawberry plants, which had
died – sharpened bush scythe, & went to the meadow & cut sprouts &, on
the ground which Taylor is to clear off – This aftr,. sharpened Taylor’s
axe – gathered apples near the tool house – procured some moss, to pack
about the strawberry plants – mowed off bushes at the south side of the
meadow – Came home & put 300 strawberry plants into a basket Mr. Nicoll
– Archie dug & I selected them – were invited to J.P. Mills to tea – did
not have time to go – I called there this evenig. –
Thursday, August 15, 1867
Morning cloudy – forenoon fair – aftr. heavy shower with thunder – rain
this eveng. I rose early and picked a basket of blackberries to carry to
Mrs. Nicoll. – Father conveyed Mother and Susie, with Archie, Hallie and
me to the station – Mother and Susie, to go to Farmingdale, on their way
to Fort Neck – and the rest of us stopped at North Islip. Mr. Nicoll met
us at the station and conveyed us to his house – On the way we stopped
at Westcott’s hotel, to look at a rattlesnake which Westcott had killed
near his hotel, the day before – He was stuffing the skin – the snake
was more than four feet long with eleven rattles – At Mr. Nicoll’s I
walked about to see his place, and gave his men new instructions about
setting the strawberry plants – We dined about 1 o’clock – Aftr. the
rain came on, but ceased for a time, for him to convey us to North Islip
station – We returned home with the evening train – father met us at the
station – J. Hammond came down for some strawberry plants. – Archie and
James went this evening to attend the Presbyterian Fair, at the Mordecai
Homan house. –
Friday, August 16, 1867
A pouring rain part of the night, the day has been showery, with
dissation at intervals – I did not feel very well – rested and looked
over papers – picked blackberries in the garden – sent some to Mrs.
Hawkin’s and some to J.P. Mill’s – Father came over and wished me to
make a diagram of Wampmissic, to send to J.G. Thompson – I prepared it
and wrote a few lines to Thompson, inclosed it & carried to the P.O. in
time to go by the mail this aftr. – Towards evenig. I set a few
strawberry plants, where those we set the other day did not look very
well. – Archie and James went again to the Fair and did not get home
till after 12o’c – The moon was shining but rain fell again before
daylight. This Saty. Morning. –
Saturday, August 17, 1867
Showery again today with several attempts at clearing – I looked over
papers – repaired small rocking – chair – picked some blackberries.
Towards evening, I went across the swamp and mowed off bushes – Taylor
came down and laid some planks and then I came up with him and gave him
some strawberry plants. – I had a talk with him about my traps – I told
him, I had the impression that he had taken them – Of course, he
pretended to be surprised that I suspected him – Mother and Susie
returned home this evnig. – This aftr. I trimmed locust and other trees
near the church. – Mrs. Lane came her this aftr. and will spend the
night.
Sunday, August 18, 1867
Clear and warm, at the chh. this morning, I read the service and a
sermon from Blair – I am not feeling very well – and James also is
unwell – out too late at the Fair – and got cold – Mrs. Lane left today
& her son Dales conveyed her home. –
Monday, August 29, 1867
Clear & warm – I have not felt very well today, but this forenoon, I
went across the meadow – and with bush –scythe, mowed off the bushes & -
Taylor wanted to talk more about the traps – I have come to the
conclusion that he is a liar as well as a thief – This aftr. I rested
some time and then went to the west side of the meadow and removed some
small trees – Harry Waller and Willie rowed about with them – they went
to look for some bilberries this aftr, -
Tuesday, August 20, 1867
Cloudy and Sultry – distant thunder in the south west and a sprinkle of
rain between 10&11. – I picked some blackberries before breakfast – soon
after 8 o’clock – Archie and I went to the south side of the swamp and
cleared off a mass of bushes and briers – a tedious a tiresome job –
finished it about 12o’c – This aftr. rested and late in the day, I went
to the east side of the brook and set fire to some dried grass – feel
poorly, on account of my hard work today. –
Wednesday, August 21, 1867
Bright and warm – sultry – I picked some blackberries before breakfast –
did not rest well last night – kept quite this forenoon – went to the
P.O. at 11o’c, and procured some articles. This aftr. I constructed a
frame and covered it with milnet and placed it in the window of the will
room – Towards. Eveng. I went to the meadow and set fire to some bushes,
which needed no attention. –
Thursday, August 22, 1867
Stormy – mornig. gentle showers, after. continuos rain, increasing
towards eveng. I picked some blackberries this morning and sent to
Longwood – Mother went up there. – Dr. & Mrs. Seabury are there – I
staid in the house and laid down – Commenced reading Speke’s Africa –
Friday, August 23, 1867
More rain and steady pouring during the night an this forenoon – aftr.
cleared – damp – I kept the house this forenoon – Aftr. Mr. Wilmarth
called & I walked around with him – Later, I laid out work for making a
curb and Archie sawed off the lengths of plank
Saturday, August 24, 1867
Clear & warm – I picked some blackberries this morning – This forenoon,
Archie and it to the watering hole and after placing it, began, to fill
in around it – We worked at this again this afternoon – I do not yet
feel well – Sweating, sweating at night – Mrs. Seabury called here this
aftr. – the Dr. & Mrs. S. came down from Longwood and are staying at
father’s
Sunday, August 25, 1867
Clear & warm – at the chh. this morning I read the service and a sermon,
though I did not feel very well – Mrs. Seabury had an attack of cholera
morbus, during the night past – so neither she nor the Dr. attended. I
went to father’s to dine – aftr. Mary and I walked in the meadow,
drawing the baby in his wagon. –
Monday, August 26, 1867
Clear & warm – I was obliged to get up several times, after midnight, to
relieve bowels, which were in commotion – James and Susie were also
affected, probably owing to corn or something else, we had eaten – I did
a little work this morning – prepared a letter to J. ell. Tan Cott. –
Archie removed a clump of roots, near the watering hole – where we put
the curb and this aftr. – he removed a large maple and other trees – I
assisted some – Laura had the side of her foot scraped by the wheel of
the car and is worrying with it – A small swarm of bees clustered upon
one of the cedars – I put them in a box and found the queen & killed her
– thinking the issued from one of my hives and would return, but this
did not seem to bee the case and I tried to put them with one of my
stocks, but they were destroyed. I picked some blackberries and Jamie
has been hoeing the old strawberry plants.
Tuesday, August 27, 1867
Clear & warm – sultry – I went to the south side of the meadow this
morning and raked together, what had been mown off also took down, some
white birches – Archie cut down two trees and then assisted me in
trimming – I came home and rested & after dinner, wrote a copy of my
letter to J.M. Van Cott – about 4o’c, I went below the tool house, with
James, and after piling the brush, set fire to several heaps, but the
largest did not burn very well, we have had so much rain lately – I
staid till nearly sundown – Archie is not feeling well this aftr. his
leg, below the knee being swollen, where it was pierced by the briers
the other day – he also strained himself in pushing against a tree
today, to prevent falling wrong way –
Wednesday, August 28, 1867
Wind southerly and westerly, - warm & cloudy – I did not feel like doing
much today. I laid the planks and wheeled a few loads from the knoll,
where I planted the last cranberry plants to the low places to fill in
the low places at the south side of the swamp – and after 4o’c, this
aftr., I went below and set fire to several heap. & - Mrs. Seabury &
Kitty called in this eveng. James Weeks, at father’s – they arrived at
Longwood yesterday. Archie’s leg is very stiff. –
Thursday, August 29, 1867
Cloudy and warm – light rain about 4o’c – and heavy rain from 4 to 6
o’clock pm & thunder – I wrote a few lines to Terrell in answer to his
letter – Between 10&11, I harnessed horse and took in Clara and a bushel
of potatoes – left the potatoes at Whitbeck’s, and then went to the
station and met Willie Youngs – who arrived with the train – James Weeks
and Kitty called here this morning and James’s little boy rode in the
car. – This aftr. I went with James to look at the cranberries – Father
conveyed them to the station, to return to Oyster Bay – We think Laura’s
foot it getting better – Willie Wilmarth and Harry took supper here. –
Friday, August 30, 1867
Clear and cool – wind north west and the finest day, we have had in a
long time – It is quite refreshing – Archie’s leg is continues stiff and
inflamed – We apply poultice at night – Laura is improving – I do not
feel very strong – towards noon I went to the border of swamp and hoed
off sorrel & - This aftr. I spent some time examining a fly’s foot under
a microscope - and made a drawing of it - I took Archie a ride by
Swezey’s mill – Willie went along – After our return I took Mary and
Laura and the other little girls and we rode down the Fireplace road. –
blackberries, still. –
Saturday, August 31, 1867
Clear & pleasant, another fine day – Archie is still a cripple – Laura
gaining – Hallie’s birth day – I made a pedestal for a small stand of
hers – Went below, and hoed off sorrel and weeds – This aftr. father
conveyed Willie Youngs, to the station, to return home – Archie road
along – and when the wagon returned , I took in Mary & Laura, & the
other girls and we rode around, by Swezey’s Mills – Later – I went
across the swamp and cut down and trimmed some maple trees.
September 1867
Sunday, September 1, 1867
Rain set in again, last night the forenoon damp and some rain – after
clear and pleasant. Rev. Jessup of Brooklyn came to Mrs. Hawkin’s last
evening and held service in the chli., this morning – this
relieved me as I did not feel much like reading – Mary + I attended, and
some of the children – Archie leg is discharge J and Laura has been
running about the house.
Monday, September
2, 1867
Forenoon pleasant- middle of the day cloudy & and a little rain –
afternoon damp and evening., rain – I made fires and drew some water –
picked Lima beans – commenced making an axe handle to replace the one
broken by Taylor on Saty.
Tuesday, September
3, 1867
Clear and pleasant - Taylor came up to house to have his axe ground – I
finished the new handle and then sharpened the axe – went below and
mowed off brushes for an hour, and this after., finished the
brushes, on the south half of the meadow, father commenced threshing his
wheat by machine – James unbound the sheaves Archie’s leg is growing
better –
Wednesday
September 4, 1867
Morning cloudy and a light shower towards 11 O’C, after fair and warm –
I took scy the and mowed off weeds upon the turf heap, near the tool
house, put some wood into the cellar – went to the Post Office, + hence
to Taylor’s to look at some boards of forman’s – this aftr., I harnessed
horse and drove to the station for a box of grapes sent to mother by Mr.
Vail - on my return, took in Mary and younger children and drove to
Mrs. Randalls, to pay her for land – On our way back, stopped a few
minutes to witness the attendance of a picknick in the grove, formerly
M. Petty’s. We then drove to the station, to inquire after Alfie Bown’s
son, who was caught between car and platform, to day I borrowed Taylor’s
water boots and towards dusk, went to the stream, to try them in
track-making father’s threshing was finished about noon and strain
put away this after.
Thursday September
5, 1867
Cloudy and warm – I went to the stream early this morning – to make
further experiments with Taylor’s boots – Convinced this his boots made
tracks I saw when my traps were stolen- I went down after breakfast, to
finish mowing off the weeds on the turnip heap, Taylor came + after some
conversation, the subject of the traps came up, a I charged him so
positively, with taking them him of the consequences that he finally
acknowledged taking them and promised to return them – he pretended he
thought they were George Albin’s to which I knew to be false, I finished
mowing of the weeds- this after. Archie got his clothes packed up and I
conveyed him to the station to go to Huntington. After I returned, I
conveyed Mother and Hallie to Longwood, to make a call – Elbert Jones’s
wife of W is there – we returned about
dusk.
Friday, September
6, 1867
Wind southerly and warm, cloudy – fair this afternoon. I removed a box
of honey – hoed a little garden – went across the swamp with scythe and
mowed off weeds – and also at the east end of the swamp – Went to the
P.O. at 12 O’ l – wrote a letter to J.L. Thompson – this afternoon,
rested and then went below and extended one of the drains- This
afternoon cleaned my gun, + think of going to look for some ducks early
tomorrow morning. Mrs. Holden was here this afternoon.
Saturday,
September 7, 1867
Morning warm and cloudy – afternoon fair – the wind came out of the
north east and it was cooler. I went to the eastern part of the meadow
and spaded some weeds to. This afternoon I raked around some heaps of
brush and about 5 O’C, set fire to them, this afternoon I hived a small
swarm of bees, which clustered near the Apiary, but I do not know
where they came from, as I could not see that any issued from my hives.
Sunday, September
8, 1867
Clear and pleasant, this morning at chh (church), I read at the
service and a sermon – a fair number attended, Afternoon I was at home.
Monday, September
9, 1867
Cloudy and misty – rain between 10 + 11 O’C, I drew some water – James +
I went to the border of meadow, below the tool house and pulled weeds –
to – this afternoon I went to the meadow and pulled weeds, near a small
cranberry bed. I wrote an article for the Watchman on the Rattlesnake
killed at Islip on the 14th ULF – wrote to A.R. French
, also to Worts, land agent in answer to his letter.
Tuesday, September
10, 1867
Cloudy – some showers this forenoon – I took off some fine musk melon
and sent 3 to Longwood – prepared to go to Greenport to
attend an Agricultural meeting – went to the meadow to see how Taylor is
going O, he says he cannot find my traps, where he concealed them, under
the house he occupied. Father conveyed me to the station at 11 O’clock
and I went to Greenport by the mail train. Dr. Carpenter went on in the
same train and me found Hand at Greenport – Dr. Thompson was in
the cars, but stopped at Riverhead and came in on the freight train.
After dinner me sat on the piazza and talked and read, then went to look
at the Fair Ground. Mr. Incoll Doxsie and fuedden came down in
the evening train and we had a meeting this evening to after the time of
holding the fair. As the court would sit during the second week, the
time which we had fixed-
Wednesday, September 11, 1867
Clear and bracing air – wind northwest and dry – I drew a plan for the
office and entrance to the Fair Ground – We went over to the Fair Ground
and discussed the position of buildings and fence – We rode to David G.
Floyd’s and made call upon him – returned to Hotel and then walked to
the wharf and went on board a steamboat which had just arrived with an
excursion party from Connecticut, with 1500 passengers – after dinner we
took the mail train home – father met me at the station – mother was
starting for Oyster Bay and Albert Jones and his wife were leaving –
after I returned home, I went to the swamp and piled up roots and set
fire to them and worked until dusk.
Thursday, September 12, 1867
Clear and pleasant – last night was very cool – I rose early – gathered
musk melons – went tot he swamp and piled up, remains of strips,
on fire, removed a box of honey – mowed off weeds, about the house and
garden, Jamie and I went to the meadow and sawed a large maple into
pieces, carried out wood, cut when Archie was home – I raked up bushes
to, till 11o’c came home and went to the store and post office. This
afternoon at 3o’c, harnessed horse and took Mary and baby to Mrs. Owens
– returned and went to the south side of the meadow and heaped up and
set fire to bushes and briers – those which Archie and I cleaned and
where he hurt his leg. Towards evening., harnessed again and went out
for Mary, This afternoon took down the hop vine laden with hops – at the
south west meadow.
Friday, September 13, 1867
Morning clear and pleasant – wind southerly and warm – afternoon cloudy
– The children commenced picking the cranberries this morning and picked
again this afternoon – a barrel picked today – I worked at the south
side of the meadow , whieling off the soil and sorrel and
conveying it to the upland at the west, to fill in the uneven places –
Torch light procession of the boys this evening, led by Taylor – I cut
some glass Coridin Amelia Smitty –
Saturday, September 14, 1867
Clear and pleasant – I gathered melons and I continued to work on the
south side, whieling off soil. The children were engaged in picking
cranberries – about 6 bushels picked , to this date I came up 10 & 11
and conveyed father to the station to go to Riverhead with the mail
train. He returned this afternoon. I read posters and tickets from W.
Aicoll
Sunday, September 15, 1867
Clear, cool and pleasant, at the Chli.,
this morning. I read the service an a sermon – The attendance was small.
This afternoon I went eastward into the wood, and visited an old hut. To
procure some pieces of a stove which had been left there – I had much
difficulty in finding the hut as the sprouts had grown so much the past
summer.
Monday, September 16, 1867
Cloudy and mild – I made fire and drew water to assist Mary –
constructed two benches across the meadow and a carted and barrow loads
went down again about 11o’c also latter part of the afternoon. Wrote to
W. Aicoll and to R. Olcob send tickets to the latter – this
evening prepared Judges book on battle-
Tuesday, September 17, 1867
The sun came out bright and very warm this forenoon – the day was warm –
I went tot he meadow before breakfast and removed white violets and
wieled some out at the south side – I wrote to H. A. Reeves – went to
the Post Office and there called at Terry’s to notify the boys to come
and pick cranberries – Ben Raynor called to hire the Yellow House – This
afternoon I looked over the paper – sharpened axes – picked ten quarts
and then whealed dirt. This evening I prepared six more books for the
judges - for county fair. Arranged Robert Hammond to come tomorrow and
pick cranberries –
Wednesday, September 18, 1867
Sky over cast and mild. I rose at 5o’c I went below the tool house and
cut down and trimmed a large white oak, which kept me at work till 7o’c.
Came home to breakfast put a new handle in the axe used by Taylor and
sharpened the axe – Went to father’s carriage house, and secured the
seat of his wagon – The seat has just been newly trimmed – returned home
and found Whitbeck waiting – I had told him to come fore some potatoes,
which I would give to him – I showed him where to dig them and went with
him to the meadow , to look at the cranberries – I proceeded to pick
cranberries and continued with some interrupting until 12½ o’c – This
afternoon I measured the cranberries picked this morning and went down
again. After a while and picked as long as I could see. I picked today a
bushel and 12 quarts – and altogether we picked two barrels. Taylor has
been cleaning bushes at the southwest part of the meadow.
Thursday, September 19, 1867
Thunder and lighting during the night with a little rain – This
forenoon, the sun came out, warm – afternoon cloudy – I rose early and
looked over papers – went across the meadow and whieled some earth till
7o’c – diverted Taylor how to work – after breakfast, James and I sawed
a log from the white oak and several sticks of wood – I split the two of
them. I picked cranberries the better part of the morning – At noon
measured those picked by the children , went to fathers and procured 3
barrels – Mother came home with mail train. This afternoon I went to the
store and there to get Ida Hulse, to pick cranberries – Ida came down
this afternoon – I picked more cranberries – Mr. Whieler (dentist) came
down to look at them – This evening I measured the after’s pick
and noted the acct. This evening I continued work of writing the
premium list in the judge’s books.
Friday, September 20, 1867
Morning fair, afternoon cloudy – wind in the southeast and damp towards
evening. I woke about 6o’c. Wrote a letter to H.A. Reeves – after
breakfast James and I saved the balance of the white oak into firewood –
I constructed two more benches for cranberry pickers – A number of
children came to pick. I went to pick about 10½ o’c and picked till
nearly 12. – Measured berries again at noon – This afternoon went over
to fathers for 3 more barrels and brushed them out and at nearly 3o’c
went down to pick again and continued as long as I could see. – This
evening measured after pick – We have picked 10 bushels today and have
altogether more than 12 barrels –
Saturday, September 21, 1867
Clear, bright and cool – pleasant – I rose early. Looked over papers –
sharpened axe for Taylor, went across the meadow and when he arrived,
soon after 7o’c, diverted him about cutting some clumps of white birches
– came home and after breakfast prepared heads for the 12 barrels. The
girls came to pick - I headed up part of the barrels and finished the
rest. This afternoon about 3o’c measured cranberries at noon and again
at evening. The grounds are yielding more than I anticipated. I went to
the meadow about 4o’c and split the sticks which James and I saved off –
brought up the large axe( used by Taylor) and ground it – it was dusk by
this time – then, went to the store for some articles. This evening I
commenced writing the premium list, another book for the judges,
but became to sleepy to finish it.
Sunday, September 22, 1867
Clear and pleasant – this morning, I removed a box of honey, as my
buckwheat field is done blooming – At the Chh. This morning I read the
service and the sermon – Lewis’s (14th Sunday after the
Trinity) quite a number present – This afternoon, between 3 & 4 with
Mary, Julin and baby – I drove to Wampmissic the Yellow House –
it was empty – went on to James Raynn’s and staid awhile, and on my way
back, I stopped to see Nathan Davis', who is very ill – Me left there
about sun down – and had a cool ride home – we had a fire this evening-
Monday, September 23, 1867
Clear and pleasant – made fine and drew water – wrote cards and nailed
upon the barrels and some of that hoops were all secure – Conveyed the
12 barrels of berries to the station, at 2 major loads – left them there
for Wells to put on the freight train this afternoon – I put some
barrels into the bee house for the pickers, while I am absent – I got
ready and father conveyed me to the station this afternoon and I went
with the mail train to New York and arrived soon after 7o’c – Went to
the Staten Island Ferry and waited for the 8o’c, boat – went to Staten
Island & arrived about 8½ o’c, talked with Thompson about the sale of
land, spent the night there –
Tuesday, September 24, 1867
Clear & pleasant – I left Staten Island soon after 8o’c – came to New
York – executed a number of errand and made some purchases – Lb. of
sugar – woolen. Called to see A.R. French – my cranberries arrived while
I was there – they were thought to be very fine – I returned to A. R.
French’s and sat in the office and read the papers – alone – till Mr.
Aible came in – spent the night at the room in the store house. –
Wednesday, September 25, 1867
Forenoon, clear and pleasant – Between 4+5 p.m. at Nbiciola –
thunder squall with hail and rain – did not last long – I left New York
with the 7o’c boat for Hunter’s Point and thence to Mineola to attend
the Queen County Fair. I met several cousins and acquaintances – looked
over the grounds. Went out about 4o’c, returned home with the evening
train – walked up from the station- There had been rain but no hail at
Yaphank –
Thursday, September 26, 1867
Northwesterly wind, clear and cool – I did writing, completing the
judges books, and prepared the book of entries for the secretary –
picked some cranberries and this afternoon a small bed of Minnesota
cranberries, from which I picked between 3o’c and sun down – One bushel
and five quarts – large and abundant – I went up the street this evening
to get pickers for tomorrow.
Friday, September 27, 1867
Clear and pleasant – I picked some cranberries, looked after the pickers
– and kept matters in order – went to the stove – carried letter to the
P.O. – met Robert, with the wagon, on the way home and went with him to
the store to get 7 barrels which I had bought – Susie prepared the
badges from ribbons, for the managers – had a talk with Taylor who
thought he was not making enough out of the contract – The fact is, he
has been working elsewhere or not working at all. – Mr. and Mrs. Otis
and Miss Anderson, rode down to look at the cranberries and grounds –
removed part of the honey from box which I intend to exhibit at the Fair
– I picked a dish of nice blackberries this morning –
Saturday, September 28, 1867
Another fine and day and bright sun. I rose early wrote to W.H. Loring
to see if he or Corwin could assist me at the fair. Mr. and Mrs.
Anderson and Mrs. Amy Miller came to father’s this afternoon and came
down to look at the cranberries – they took tea at father’s & Mary and I
went over also.
Sunday, September 29, 1867
Clear and pleasant – dry and dusty – At the Chh. this morning. I read
the the service and the a sermon & this afternoon about 1o’c, I started
with father to attend the funeral of Nathan Davis, at the Manor – he
died on Friday – we arrived at his house just as the process left there
for the church – Mr. Dobson conducted the funeral services – we reached
home soon after 5 o’clock –
Monday, September 30, 1867
A little rain this morning – wind N. E. and threatened a storm, but the
day proved fair, - I rode at 3o’c – wrote to H.A. Reeves, sending a copy
of a bill, to be printed also wrote notices of the annual school meeting
– Today – preparing to attend the Fair. Gathered pears and watermelons,
and selected large cranberries – procured some barrels at the store.
Brought them home and brushed out part of them for cranberries – father
and mother went to attend the funeral of Henry Hutchinson – towards
evening I went down, and picked 7qts. Of cranberries – James and Terry,
Hawkins and Al Whitbeck picked today – Evening cool and windy. James is
to keep an account of the cranberries picked during my absence at the
Fair. This evening I went to Hulse’s and Coombs and paid the girls for
picking. Also called Hammond’s and paid Ruth.
October 1867
Tuesday, October 1, 1867
Clear & pleasant – no frost with us last night – I made final
preparations to attend the Fair at Greenport – brushed out the rest of
the barrels and gave James directions about them. Father conveyed me to
the station and I went east with the mail train – arrived at Greenport,
after dinner I found our crate of crockery had not arrived, which I had
directed Osborn to forward more than a week ago – I sent word to have it
forwarded at once – this aftr. I visited the Fair Ground & gave some
directions about the arrangements, returned to Hotel about 5o’c – sent
telegram to Dr. Thompson – who had stopped at Riverhead, to bring the
plates – on the evenig. train, but he arrived on the F.T. train, & then
I telegraphed to Griffing to forward them, but they had just been sent
on the ft. train & arrived this aftr. This evenig. Mr. Nicoll and the
rest of the board arrived – A juggler performed some tricks before us
this evenig. –
Wednesday, October
2, 1867
Clear & pleasant – I had my baskets conveyed to the Fair Ground – Went
to the office and commenced selling tickets – busy all day – procured my
lunch at the Fair Ground. – returned to hotel & to my room at 10
o’clock.
Thursday, October
3, 1867
Clear, mild and pleasant. – I rose at 3o’c, this morning and looked over
the receipts of yesterday – over 600 dollars rec’d. – I assorted the
money & put $250, into my belt – I went to the Fair Ground, as soon I
could get my breakfast – We had a very busy day – many tickets sold and
a large crowd in attendance – I lunched at the Fair Ground – The
trotting on the track and the exhibition of horses, drew the crowd – I
removed my fruit & from the ground, late this aftr. It was late, when I
went to bed. –
Friday, October 4,
1867
The day was cloudy & lowering – wind N.E. and cool – a dash of rain this
forenoon – I went early to the and got something to eat – the trotting
matches came off today – The receipts were not so large but there was a
crowd in attendance, I was engaged chiefly, in paying the premiums – The
Fair closed this aftr. – The members of the Board, who had not gone
previously – left with the Evening train – I alone, remained to pay some
premiums and bills – which I did this evenig. . I rose at 4o’c, this
morning, and counted the receipts of yesterday – more than $1000. –
Saturday, October
5, 1867
Rain stormed commenced in the night – southerly wind and blowing hard –
not much rain this morning – aftr. about 2o’c, rained hard – I went to
Bates’s and paid him for the use of plates – paid one or two premiums
and then settled bill at the Peconic House, for Queens Co. delegates, -
I had my articles taken to the freight train and returned home on that –
arrived at Yaphank station in the midst of a furious rain and was
obliged to take refuse in the ft. house – Waited at the station till the
mail train came from the east, where father came after me – did nothing
more today than put things in order. –
Sunday, October 6,
1867
Clear and cool – wind north westerly – at the chh. this morning. I read
the service and a sermon – aftr. I felt fatigued –
Monday, October 7,
1867
Wind north westerly and cool – clear and bright – I rose early and
commenced writing the names of those to whom the premium were paid at
the Fair. – Selected $100, for father to clear bills – for which he gave
me his check – drew water & - went down to pick cranberries and came up
again soon after 11o’c. – Carried wheat and barrels to mill – returned
and took out horse and went again to pick cranberries, till 1o’c – ate
dinner and went again till the south bed was finished, about 4 o’clock –
Tuesday, October
8, 1867
A slight frost in places, last night – today clear & pleasant – calm. I
wrote accounts again this morning early – selected grapes & filled a
basket for Aunt Ellen, also sent her some honey and cranberries – they
are preparing at Longwood, for Susan’s wedding . I went to the store and
selected some boxes for cranberries and when father returned from
Longwood – he brought them to my house. This aftr. I paid off George
Hulse and others for picking – sent Norman to pick the balance of the
cranberries, in the old lot - & then he picked ripe Lima Beans, after
standing the buckwheat, which I raked up – James heard a duck in the
stream, while he was picking his cranberries, and I went with gun, to
look for it, but could not get near enough – James finished his bed
today and we are fortunately through, without injury from frost. – This
evenig. I conveyed father to the station to go to Riverhead with the
Evening train – I brought back Mrs. James Weeks who arrived – I then
attended the annual school meeting – Evenig – clear & cool. –
Wednesday, October
9, 1867
Clear & pleasant – father returned home with the early train – I put two
boxes in order and filled them with cranberries – One for D.R. Floyd
Jones and one for Robert Jones, and put some, ½ bu. or more in a basket
for Sidney Smith – About 11o’c, I prepared to go to Longwood – to attend
the marriage of Mr. Holmes and Susan Smith – We left home – Mary & I,
with father about 11½ o’c. We found a large assemblage at Longwood –
invited to witness the ceremony – Rec’d. Mr. Hutton of Brooklyn –
officiated – Mary & I started home before 3o’c – and at this time others
were leaving to go the station – On reaching home, I put the boxes and
bucket into the wagon – and carried them to the station – Quite a large
number went off with the Westward train – I put cranberries upon the
train – I stopped at the store, and Robert went on to Longwood for
father, Mother and Susan – father went to Riverhead again this eveing. –
Subpoenaed as witness in a fire case.
Thursday, October
10, 1867
Forenoon fair – aftr. cloudy – Mild – shower between 4&5 P.M. – I looked
over accts. of Agricultural Fair rectd & counted the money on hand –
wrote several letters to go East – went to P.O. and waited the arrival
of mail from West – procured a new clock from E.J. Hawkins – Aftr. wrote
several letters – about 3o’c, went to the station with Mother, expecting
father back from Riverhead – A number of guests from Longwood left on
the cars – This evenig. I prepared 8 certificates for Life Members –
also tickets & directed envelopes –
Friday, October
11, 1867
Wind easterly and damp – cloudy and rain with thunder, the latter part
of the aftr. I wrote to D.J. Gardiner, after looking over his acct. of
premiums – out up two half bushel boxes for J.B. Sturges – carried
certificates to the P.O. and mailed them – This aftr. I carried boxes to
the station to go by the freight train –
Saturday, October
12, 1867
Much rain fell last night – today calm & fair – pleasant, but ground wet
– I entered the receipts and expenses of the Fair in the account book –
looked over back numbers of the Times – James & I sawed wood at the
woodpile & I cut some of the small wood – This aftr. I looked over
papers and then went to the hedge, south west of the Tool house and
cleared and leveled a piece of it – I gleaned some cranberries upon the
small bed, by the East ditch. – the first bed. –
Sunday, October
13, 1867
Clear & pleasant – at the chh. this morning. I read the service and a
sermon – The funeral of Mrs. Wm. Roe took place at Patchogue. This aftr.
I took Mary – who is not feeling very well – a ride along the Moriches
Road to the Hay Road and back by Fireplace road – Francis went along. –
Monday, October
14, 1867
Clear & pleasant – mild – I split some wood at the woodpile – drew water
& went below the tool house and turned over sorrel and heaped it, to
destroy it – Mr. Wilmarth called to get some cranberries for his son –
Aftr. I wrote to Archie – also to Clark and Niblo, acknowledge the
receipt of their check & return of cranberries sold – I went the P.O.
and thence to Whitbeck’s & paid Alex for picking, also Whitbeck for
subscript to singing school. -
Tuesday, October
15, 1867
Mild and pleasant – fair – split wood at the woodpile – entered the
minutes of the annual meeting – Wrote to H.L. Fleet – Went across the
swamp and skinned off the soil, which had sprouted again – This aftr.
wrote to W. Nicoll – went to the P.O. and thence to Terry’s to carry a
peck of cranberries – stopped at Mr. Wilmarth – on my return rode down
with C.J. Smith and picked some grapes for Mrs. Smith – went below and
gleaned some cranberries and then carried some sticks of firewood from
the south side of the swamp to the north side – worked at this some time
after dark – repaired the lock of Susie’s trunk – she thinks of going to
Riverhead tomorrow.
Wednesday, October
16, 1867
Clear, mild and pleasant – I cut some wood at woodpile – after
breakfast, dug some potatoes – got ready to go to Riverhead with Susie.
Father conveyed us to the station – we went with the mail train – I took
Susie to Mrs. Miller’s with whom, I had some conversation as to the
studies to be persued by Susie – I called at several stores and returned
home by the aftr. mail train – father met me at the station. I went to
the swamp and piled bushes & set fire to them, & carried out wood till
evenig.
Thursday, October
17, 1867
Fair and pleasant – fresh southerly wind – Flowers in bloom, and beans
green in my garden – I cut some wood again this morning and dug some
more potatoes. Went to the swamp & piled brush to be burnt this evenig.
Came home between 12&1. After dinner, put up some pears, grapes & a cake
for James to take to Archie – I took James, to the station, to go to
Hicksville, by the mail train – Amy & baby rode to the station with us
and after the cars left, we went on to Fireplace – called at N. Miller’s
– I procured a couple of boxes at Bishop’s store – we reached home about
sundown. I went to the swamp & set fire to the brush heaped this morning
– and carried out wood till 8o’c –
Friday, October
18, 1867
Fair and mild – wind southerly – I split some woodpile – this forenoon,
finished dig & potatoes – went tot he pond between 11&12 & bailed out my
boat – This aftr. looked over papers, and then went to swamp and heaped
brush and set fire to it – It was dusk when I came home – I found a
letter from Rich’d. W. Smith asking to bring my name before the
Senatorial Convention, for the Senator of the 1st Senatorial
District –
Saturday, October
19, 1867
Mild & pleasant – clear & sun, very warm – Mercury at 116°exposed
to the sun, at father’s – I cut & split some refuse wood at wood pile &
cleared up the pine knots – After breakfast Robert came over with the
horse & wagon & we carted 3 loads of green wood, from the border of the
swamp, south west of tool house – I then prepared a box Mr. Nicoll’s
bushel of cranberries and between 10& 11 I went to the store with Father
& procured two more boxes, one quite large, which I brought home, and
sawed off a part, so that it would hold a bushel and a half – into this
, I put cranberries for Mr. Andrew’s – I mailed and directed the boxes
and this aftr. wrote a letter in reply to R.W. Smith – father came with
wagon soon after two o’clock – I put in this boxes and conveyed them to
the station, to put on board the mail train – We then went to witness
scrub oaks – two yokes of oxen were attached and some of the roots torn
out, but it was not considered a success among the larger scrub oaks –
Mr. Nicoll & family removed to the ciby & he took charge of his box of
berries – I returned home Mrs. Floyd’s man – he put up 1½ bu. of
cranberries for Mrs. Floyd – then went the four younger children to the
pond and took them in the boat, to the head of the pond – it was sundown
when we came home –
Sunday, October
20, 1867
Clear, mild & pleasant I at the church this morning. I read the service
and a sermon. The assemblage was small but attentive.
Monday, October
21, 1867
Cloudy & mild – after breakfast I went to Coram to R.W. Smith and had a
talk with him about the nomination – repeated the substance of what I
wrote to him on Saturday – as he had not rec’d. my letter – I consented
to his presenting my name to the convention, but did not wish him to
press it, against any other candidate, I reached home 12&1 o’c – This
aftr. I gathered Vicar of Winkfield pears, and put them away in a box –
also gathered the other remaining pears – Towards evenig. I went below
the Tool house and brought out wood till dusk – I prepared to go to New
York tomorrow – Dr. Holden called in late this evenig. and signed the
minutes of the school meeting –
Tuesday, October
22, 1867
Cloudy & misty – father conveyed me to the station, & I went to Hunter’s
Point by the morning train – I went to see Clough, the oil man – they
knew nothing about the tin can which I forwarded by the ft. train on the
23rd of September – I returned and went by the boat to James
slip – thence to Wall St. – fell in with W. Nicoll in Wall St. –
purchased $600, bonds for the Agricultural Society – Went to James slip
and joined Nicoll, who was on his way home – went on the boat to
Hunter’s Point - thence Cloughs, & saw his partner Myers – he had not
seen my can, had sent for it but could not find it – I returned &
inquired at the depot – nobody had seen it – I concluded it had been
stolen on the Rail Road – returned to James slip and thence went to see
French about cranberries – market full – it was now dusk – I entered a 6th
Avenue car and rode to 14th St. Went into the Fair of the
American Institute, remained there till 9o’c – came out and found it
raining – walked to Dr. Seabury’s Theological Seminary – there was a
party there - & though tired I returned to the 7th Avenue, &
took car to Canal St. & went to Earl’s hotel for the night.
Wednesday, October
23, 1867
Clear & cooler – wind North West – I went about the city a number of
purchases – a piece of unbleached, suit of clothes for Archie, coat for
myself & - called to see Mr. Bullock about cranberries, but he did not
think they were adapted to the English taste – I bought a pair of fur
gloves for father – I went to the slip and returned home with the
evening train – James was at the station and assisted me in bringing
home my bundles &. –
Thursday, October
24, 1867
Wind North Westerly – clear and cool – I wrote several letters, - then
carted the buckwheat to the barn, while Robert thrashed it – we carted
it at 4 loads – This aftr. James & I put it through the farming mill –
we had 4½ bushels – Julia & I picked over some cranberries & I put up a
bushel for Mrs. C.J. Smith – also for John Terry – Riverhead – went down
by the border of the swamp & set fire to roots till dusk –
Friday, October
25, 1867
There was a heavy frost last night – ice formed – today wind southerly
and milder – Occasional clouds - I threw together the remains of the
roots &, set fire to yesterday – I prepared paint and brought over the
ladders – commenced painting my tin roofs – painted the east, west and
north roof – of the wings – drove to the station late this aftr. &
procured a box of corn starch which came by the ft. train – This evenig.
– Went to the Presbyterian Chapel to hear a political addresses by Prof.
Leo. Miller – He spoke over two hours and was listened to with attention
–
Saturday, October
26, 1867
Fair and pleasant – I wrote letters and went to P.O. to mail them –
Called upon Prof. Millers, and invited him to walk down my house – We
walked to the Cranberry bed & - I returned to the store with him – I
procured some more white lead & painted the roof of the south wind –
This aftr. – I drove to the station, expecting to see Mr. Miller again,
but Mr. Norton had conveyed him Patchogue, on his way to Sayville, where
he is to speak tonight – I went to Ackerly’s store & procured some
kerosene – I put a box in order , after my return & put up a half bushel
of cranberries for S.B. Sturges. –
Sunday, October
27, 1867
Calm & pleasant – as usual I read the service and a sermon at the chh. –
only a few present. –
Monday, October
28, 1867
Morning – fair and pleasant – afternoon cloudy and looks like rain – I
split some wood at woodpile – then prepared some locust posts – and set
them for the clothes line, along the border of the garden – This
occupied me till after 10o’c, - them went to the tool house and painted
the east roof – Came home and wrote a letter to D.R. Floyd-Jones, to
send a rec’t. to Patrick King, who has just remitted $5.for rent of
Meadow – Wrote to Sturges that I shall forward his cranberries today.
Ate dinner and hurried over and harnessed horse and carried box to the
station, to go by the freight train – returned home and prepared more
paint and painted the west roof of the tool house – picked over some
cranb. and carried half a bushel to mothers. –
Tuesday, October
29, 1867
The storm commenced during the night – Today wind easterly, blowing hard
and much rain – abated this evening. – I drew a map of the Fair Ground
and prepared to go to Riverhead. Robert conveyed me to the station at
11o’c – The rain fell furiously soon after I reached the station – went
to Riverhead with the mail train – This aftr. I remained at Terry’s –
looked over the papers – went in to see Susie at Mrs. Millers – Went
this evening to Corwin’s – there found Dr. Carpenter – I paid the Dr. a
number of premiums for residents in his vicinity – Mr. Nicoll – Dr.
Thompson – Mount & Doxsee arrived with the evening. train – The Deed for
the Fair Ground was presented this evening. – a clause in it the Fair
should not be held in any other part of the County, without invalidating
our claim to the ground – excited much discussion and we did not accept
the deed this evening. – I wrote out another form, giving the correct
boundaries of the track – went to bed between 11&12 –
Wednesday, October
30, 1867
Cloudy, but no rain – some rain during the night – We discussed the deed
again this morning – Two of the Riverhead Committee (Terrel being
absent) finally agreed to have a deed without objectionable clause – in
accordance with the original contract – I left Riverhead with the
freight train between 12&1and came on to Baiting Hollow station – Went
to see Tuthill and make arrangements to cut some wood – at the south
side of the Kennedy tract – Advanced Tuthill $50 with which to pay
choppers – I took the 3o’c, train, and returned home – father met me at
the station – split some wood towards dusk –
Thursday, October
31, 1867
Cloudy – wind North Easterly – blew freshly – This forenoon, wrote a
Deed of Conveyance for the Fair Ground – This aftr. I went to the West
side of the swamp and cut down several, one, a large pine – and trimmed
them – This evening, wrote a letter to Dr. Stillwell, also to Mr.
Perkins – Griffin and Terrell – Committee entered accounts .-
November
1867
Friday, November 1, 1867
Clear and pleasant – wind north westerly. This forenoon, I cut down
several trees at the swamp – went to the P.O. between 10&11 o’c – to
mail deed & letter – looked over newspapers – This aftr. repainted the
West side of the roof of tool-house – the heavy rain had washed off
nearly all the paint – which I applied on Monday – set fire to a heap of
brush this evening – Archie came home by the evening. train – he walked
from Huntington to Deer Park –
Saturday, November 2, 1867
Clear & pleasant, mild and soft air – Raty dids singing this evening. –
This forenoon, I went to Coram to pay our taxes – reached home between
12&1 o’c – This aftr. I split the pine sticks which James & I sawed off
and then cut down a large pine tree and trimmed it – Archie and James
carried some wood which Taylor cut at the south side of the swamp and
put it upon the Island, to which I can go with horse & wagon –
Sunday, November 3, 1867
Morning fair and pleasant – aftr. cloudy – and this evenig. a little
dash of rain – At the chh. this morning, I read the service and a sermon
– the attendance was small –
Monday, November 4, 1867
Wind south westerly and westerly – mild – morning fair and aftr. cloudy
– a little rain – I drew water & - after getting ready Archie and I
carried the long ladder to the large pines at the north border of the
swamp and after putting the rope to each, cut down 5 of them in
succession – falling them eastward – This occupied us till after 12o’c –
This aftr. we picked up the potatoes in the cellar – assorted them and
put them in the bin and barrels – made some changes in the position of
things in the cellar – swept up and removed dirt – Later, Archie and I
went South West of the tool house and sawed up a large pine, which I cut
there on Saturday.
Tuesday, November 5, 1867
Frosty last night – today clear and pleasant, but cool. I split some
wood this morning – Went to Coram with father to vote – voted the
Republican ticket. Archie and James, conveyed wood from the south side
of the swamp to the island – This aftr. Archie & I sawed off some logs –
cut down one large pine tree, South West of tool house – I trimmed it –
partly by moonlight. – Enclosed $5 to Frank H. Norton. –
Wednesday, November 6, 1867
Morning fair – fleeting clouds and sprinkle of rain. Aftr. wind North
Westerly and cold – Archie and I worked for an hour, in sawing up a
large maple across the south side of the meadow – I carried the pieces
to the Island – At 11o’c, conveyed Archie to the station to return to
Huntington – This aftr. I went down & split the maple sticks – then
wheeled off soil and sorrel – came home and sawed two strips off a long
plank – by this time it was dusk.
Thursday, November 7, 1867
Cold during the night past – today the wind came out of the south and
the air was chilly – aftr. wind S.E. & cloudy – I put a screen of boards
at the North East of the bee house, and after nailing the strips upon a
wide plank. Commenced running cranberries over it, and picking out the
defective ones – we assorted two barrels and I headed them this aftr.
and put them into the cellar. – them picked some dry Lima beans – and
towards evening. James and I went to the island – and set fire to the
dry roots & - I staid till evenig. until the heaps were burnt down. –
Friday, November 8, 1867
Fair – wind southerly and mild soft air – This forenoon, we picked over
more cranberries & completed this aftr. 3 barrels, which I headed late
this aftr. & put into the cellar – This evenig. I went to father’s for
supper – Dr. Baker and wife J.P. Mills & wife & Mr. and Mrs. Wilmarth
were there – returned home between 8&9 this evenig. – Enclosed $5.
Premium to D.J. Floyd –
Saturday, November 9, 1867
Heavy dew last night – today the wind continues southerly – some
fleeting clouds – the sun came out warm between 9&10 this Am. – and
between 9&10 pm. rain – James and I sawed remains of pine tree into cord
wood – filled two barrels and out them in the cellar – Cousin Amelia
called – Robert came about 1 o’clock and took the bags – I removed the
swing – used the rope in the chimney – cut some cedar branches & brushes
the chimney & then put up the stove in the west room and finished at
dusk.
Sunday, November 10, 1867
Considerable rain during the night – today damp, and some rain – wind
southerly and mild – We did not open the church today – but remained
home.
Monday, November 11, 1867
Much rain fell last night – today damp, calm and mild – the sun
struggled through the mist – I cut some wood at woodpile – wrote to
Woolhisser, inclosing subs. for Bulletin – also to Frank H. Norton
inclosing $4, for the Southern Aid Soc’y – James and I sawed some wood –
I walked into the woods north of father’s to see it there were any
partridge hedges there – This aftr. rested awhile – Went to the swamp &
split some cordwood till dusk –
Tuesday, November 12, 1867
Morning dark and cloudy – began to rain soon after daylight – the storm
increased – high north westerly wind – between 11&12. Commenced snowing
– snow and rain – great flakes of snow, which continued all the aftr.
and evening. – snow melted as fast as it fell – I split the wood sawn
yesterday – rain came on – This forenoon, I sharpened planes –prepared &
put new rockers to the old rocking chair – as the old ones were well
worn – prepared some pears and cooked them – looked over papers – Wrote
several short letters this evenig. –
Wednesday, November 13, 1867
Clear – Cold North Westerly Wind – drew water & to assist Mary – James &
I sawed some wood at woodpile. I went to the store – on my return, went
to the swamp & split cordwood – This aftr., gathered beets, then went
down again & split the remainder of cordwood sticks and wheeled out all
the cordwood and branches – it was nearly dark when I left off –
Thursday, November 14, 1867
Froze during the night – today milder – the wind came freshly from the
S.W. – aftr. cloudy, the wind subsided, but arose again this evenig. – I
split some wood at woodpile filed the large saw, then James & I went to
of the meadow and sawed off two logs from one tree & rolled them to the
North edge of the turf – This aftr. Lewis Homan called to inquire the
laws relating to non resident children – I thought the wind was
favorable for cutting the two remaining pine trees – so Robert & I
procured to cut them – put a rope upon the first, one, but in spite of
efforts, we were obliged to let the tree have its own way – the rope
parted & it fell into the wind – the second one by better management, we
made to fall to the eastward, in a favorable position – We then put away
the large ladder into father’s shed – We had used it for putting the
rope upon the trees.
Friday, November 15, 1867
Wind North Westerly and air cold – morning fair – aftr. cloudy – evenig.,
frosty. – I prepared some cranberries for cooking – put in box in order
– holding about a bushel – we looked over cranberries – filled the box
with sound ones – I directed the box to E.A. Weeks and at 11o’c.
Conveyed it to the station and sent it off by the mail train by Express
– we continued work of assorting cranberries – put up a bushel for Mr.
Ward – also a barrel & headed it, & put it into the cellar – About
sundown, I harnessed horse and took the berries to the station for Mr.
Ward, who pd. me for them – Mr.Wa. has been putting an improvement in
father’s fanning mill – After I returned from the station, I took some
boards & to the vicinity – of the large pine trees in order to work upon
the on which fell into the swamp –
Saturday, November 16, 1867
A high southerly wind arose during the night, this forenoon, high wind &
dark clouds – aftr., the wind subsided – the sun came out – Mild at
evenig. a breeze sprang up from the N.W. and the air was colder – I went
to the tree with two more boards and axes – block up the trees ready for
sawing off the first leg – After breakfast harnessed horse and drove to
the Blacksmith’s to get Gerard’s caut hook repaired – After I
returned, Robt & James went down with me and we commenced work upon the
tree – first taking out a log, (last fallen) on the border – during the
day we removed 3 logs from the tree, the rest of the trunk and part of
the branches – We succeeded with it, better than I anticipated – While
we were at work, a squirrel was seen upon a high hickory tree – James
procured his gun and shot it – I dressed it at sundown –
Sunday, November 17, 1867
Morning fair and cool – aftr. & evenig. cloudy – At the chh. this
morning. I read the service and a sermon – Only a few present –
Monday, November 18, 1867
The weather changed during the night – a little rain, which was
succeeded by a snow squall – morning calm & cold, ground frozen – The
day was clear – cold north westerly wind, and the cold increased towards
evenig. – I made fires, drew water & - James and I sawed some wood. –
This forenoon I went below & removed the remaining branches of the tree
which fell into the swamp – regulated the border of the turf heap, so
that we could drive near it to take in the logs & wood – This aftr. the
other pine trees, which Archie & I cut down – I worked till dusk –
Hopensick called this evenig, & left a pack of his goods –
Tuesday, November 19, 1867
The night past was cold – the pond (mill) was covered with ice – The air
has been cold today, & not much thawing, fair – We continued work upon
the pine trees – sawing off logs - & sticks of cordwood - & trimming the
branches – and rolling up the logs, ready for loading – This evening. I
kindled a fire & burnt up some of the branches -
Wednesday, November 20, 1867
Morning cool – the wind came out the S.W. and the air was milder – fair
– This forenoon we finished the logs - & rolled them out – Cut off some
cord wood sticks & split them – I came home before 11o’c, & harnessed
horse & conveyed father to the station, to go to New York – On my return
I again went at work and remained till nearly 1 o’clock – This aftr.
Robert & I commenced carting the fire wood to my woodpile – At the 2nd
load – the wagon ran over a stump, & the axle broke – Robert went for
the farm wagon & two horses – We carted up the rest of the wood –
Towards evenig., & talks of resigning the office of trustee & -
Thursday, November 21, 1867
Fair, mild & pleasant. I wrote a letter to A.J. Terrell – prepared to
pick over cranb. – picked over & measured a half bushel for Mr. Robert
who called for them, this mornig. We picked over more – and filled two
barrels, which, I headed & put into the cellar at dusk – Then went down
and made fire, & piled on the pine branches –
Friday, November 22, 1867
Cloudy & mild – calm – I went early to the border, and removed branches,
and sticks of cordwood which had been sawn off – Wrote to A. Smith –
Cleaned two bass bot. of Robinson – James & I went to the south west
corner of the swamp clearing and piled up the branches of white birch &
cut by Taylor – This aftr. I picked over some cranberries to carry to
Whitbeck & with horse & wagon – On the way, I left the cranberries for
Whitbeck & on my return he gave me a few apples. I had to wait awhile at
Ackerly’s as the work was not quite done – I brought the wagon back &
then put a horse before it and Robert & I went to the pond for the boat,
which we brought home – I then went across the swamp & set fire to the
brush heaped up this mornig. – Came home & dressed, & went to Mr.
Wilmarth’s to tea – Dr. Baker, J.P. Mills & their wives, & Mr. Lester
were there – Came home about 9o’c. – Father returned home with the
evenig. train having attended the funeral of Cousin Mary, wife of Elbert
Floyd Jones
Saturday, November 23, 1867
Cloudy, with a little rain – mild – I wrote a few lines to Dr. Thompson
– James & I sawed some wood – I went to the border where the large pines
were cut down – laid the boards & procured to rake the pine leaves & -
returned home about 11o’c, - Went to the station for Susie, who came
from Riverhead on the mail train – aftr. put up a basket of cranberries
for Dr. Thompson – then went below again & removed the pine leaves
raking over the ground & - & continued work till dark –
Sunday, November 24, 1867
Cloudy & mild – At the chh. this mornig. I read the service & one of
Wainwrights sermons –
Monday, November 25, 1867
Cloudy & damp – mild – I rose at 6 o’c and prepared to go to New York –
Robert conveyed me to the station – I went with morning train to Mineola
– to attend the attend to fall meeting of the Queens Co. Ag. S. – Looked
at the building & Fair Ground – Mr. C.W. Rogers, was very attentive –
dined at Searing’s Hotel - & went to Hunter’s Pt. on the mail train at
1½ Pm. – Went to James slip – thence called at several places - & went
to see French, thence walked up town – Called to look at books – arrived
at Uncle Edwards, at 8o’c – Uncle Edward had gone to Oyster Bay –
Tuesday, November 26, 1867
Today damp – mild – aftr. fair – I spent the night (last) at Uncle E’s –
Left there this mornig. at 9o’c – Walked down town calling at several
places - & this aftr., at 3o’c, I took the boat at James slip, &
returned home with the evenig. train. –
Wednesday, November 27, 1867
Frost last night – today fair & pleasant – We worked at the cranberries
today – picked over more than two barrels – I headed one and put into
the cellar –
Thursday, November 28, 1867
Cloudy – damp and moderate rain at intervals – No wind – Robinson
brought some bass, which I cleaned – Wrote to Terrel & to Aunt Ellen,
declining invitation to dinner tomorrow – Went to the P.O., returned &
went to father’s to dine – James, Susie & Hallie also – this after. I
drove to the station for apples, which arrived – After my returned, put
two boxes on order, to send cranberries, tomorrow, to H. G. De Forrest.
– This evenig. opened barrels of apples –
Friday, November 29, 1867
Cloudy & unpleasant – and some rain – I put cranberries into the boxes
prepared yesterday for De Forrest – Nailed and directed them & took them
to the station at the time of the mail train – and sent them by Express
– On my return, went to Mr. Wilmarth’s, who gave me a pumpkin & a piece
of his fresh pork – stopped at the store and procured some articles –
This aftr. James & I sawed some wood – them I took some honey from large
box & put into a pan & basket, for Charles Smith, (Longwood) I went to
father’s soon after 3o’c – Mr. & Mrs. Holmes – Chatwick & wife – Robert
Smith - & Robt. & David Jones were there – had dined there – I remained
till after they left. –
Saturday, November 30, 1867
Clear – furiously high westerly wind & cold , - the cold increased
towards evenig. – I went down before breakfast & finished removing the
pine leaves, & - On the swamp – Went over father’s to assist in taking
the bench from the cellar – then took the horse & wagon, & with James
proceeded to cast 6 loads of peat to the compost pit – James assist till
10o’c, & I continued till after 12 o’clock – this aftr. I cleared out
the aprairy - put some into the fowl house, & then at dusk, went below
& heaped up the remaining peat to get it out of the way of more to be
taken out.
December 1867
Sunday, December 1, 1867
Advent Sunday – The past night was cold – today clear & cold –At the chh.
I read a sermon & the service – a few present, besides our family –
Monday, December
2, 1867
A little snow fell during the night – This morning – cold – cloudy –
moderated a little – some fine hail – aftr. snow storm – the ground
became white – the storm ceased & the sun came out soon after 4pm. – I
drew water & - after making fires – picked over & wiped some apples –
Wrote a few lines to Archie, & enclosed $20 for his board – Went to the
store and procured a file & sharpened father’s saw. Conveyed Susie to
the station at 12o’c, to return to Riverhead – came back & carried wheat
& barrels to mil – After dinner, spent awhile – then split wood at
woodpile till dusk – Father’s hogs were slaughtered today –
Tuesday, December
3, 1867
Cloudy – thawing – snow disappearing – South westerly wind – I put the
sewing machine in order – oiled, & went below & laid planks, & wheeled
out peat & spread it for the frost to act upon it – This after. brought
over near barrel partly filled with pork – then put small log into the
wagon & carried to sawmill – brought home barrels, & flour. Went below
and wheeled out peat – This evening, picked over & finished dividing the
spitz, wrote to C.S. Weeks & N.J.Y.
Wednesday,
December 4, 1867
Fair – wind westerly & colder – Before breakfast, I went down & wheeled
out 20 barrow loads of peat & spread it – proceeded to pick over
cranberries – Maria Robert & Sister called to get some honey – Chars.
Smith & wife called, & staid some time –James & I finished a barrel, &
more – I headed it & put into the cellar – also the two half barrels,
not picked over, were put into the cellar – as the weather is now too
cold to do suck work outdoors – I removed the screw of boards, & piled
them again, east of the woodshed – Robt. Smith & Frederick Jones called
towards evenig. – Fredr. starts for California, tomorrow. –
Thursday, December
5, 1867
Mornig. cold – clear & pleasant for the season – Robert having left for
a few days, I went to the barn and brushed off the horses, & drew water
– This forenoon, I wheeled out peat & spread it – This aftr. I set fire
to the pine branches – raked up &, at the west side of the swamp –
Occupied till dusk – James went to the pond to skate –
Friday, December
6, 1867
Mornig. calm – high southerly wind arose – Cloudy & milder – at dusk
rain set in which continued an hour or two – Before breakfast I did the
work at the barn – Went to the west side of the swamp, & cleared away
some bushes & - so that, I could drive there with horse & wagon – then
harnessed horse & with James. Commenced carting the wood from the island
– Carted small loads, & were occupied till 10 o’c – This after. I went
to the west side of the swamp & cut down sticks to put under logs – We
then rolled the logs upon the sticks, in good position, to load them
upon the sled, when the snow comes – I then wheeled out 10 loads of
peat, till dusk –
Saturday, December
7, 1867
Clear – high westerly wind – more northerly & colder towards the close
of the day – attended to the horses as usual – wheeled out the peat this
forenoon – Archie came home with the mail train, about 1o’c – he walked
to Deer Park – Aftr. I went to the store - returned, & went to the west
side of the swamp where James was clearing bushes – I removed some small
trees & piled the bushes – removed a stump in the road, & smoothed it in
places – then wheeled out peat till dusk –
Sunday, December
8, 1867
Clear & cool, with wind North West – At the chh. I read the service & a
sermon – a fair only, present –
Monday, December
9, 1867
North Westerly wind – clear & cold – a little a flurry of a snow in the
forenoon – I made fires – drew water, & attended the horses – directed
circulars to a number of person & - for life members. Went to the
station at 11o’c to carry a box of sausage, for Uncle Edward – I sawed
oak, boards in two, & put into the Aprairy – Archie & I cleared away
some of the small trees this aftr. at the west side of the swamp & then
cut down a large pine & sawed off the end – I staid till 5o’c, & partly
prepared to go to Riverhead – Walked to the station & went with the
evenig. train – Called at Mrs. Miller’s, & spent the night – Evenig.
clear & moonlight –
Tuesday, December
10, 1867
Snow storm commenced during the night – snowed this mornig. till about
9o’c – fell about 3 inches – wind south west & not cold – The rest of
the day was clear & thawing – I rose about 6o’c & I took breakfast at
Mr. Miller’s – returned home with the mornig. train – I had intended to
stop & see about Tuthill, but the snow storm prevented – I went to the
barn & brushed off the horses & - Went at work to prepare barrels of
cranberries, for shipping – Opened each barrel, - picked out the soft
ones, - filled it with good ones & secured the head – I completed 8 of
them, by dusk – We went to father’s about 2o’c, & removed the wood sled
form the cellar. – This evenig. directed more circulars, & it is near
11o’c. –
Wednesday,
December 11, 1867
Fair, not cold – thawing, & water dropped from the roof – Robert
returned last evenig. & I did not go the barn this morning – I wrote
several letters, certificate of Life Membership for J.L. Smith – &
directed a number of circulars – then went at work to complete heading
of barrels – the children picked over enough to fill the 13th
barrel and I filled a head to the & made all secure – and in the aftr. I
put a box in order, holding a bushel & the large cranberries, were
looked over, & enough put in to fill it – This evenig. I wrote letters –
two certificates and cards for barrels – was up quite late. –
Thursday, December
12, 1867
A snow storm began before dawn, wind northeast – the storm continued, &
increased all day – I had intended to send off my cranberries, but the
storm prevented – I nailed on the cards – Wrote several letters, & went
to P.O. – returned , - removed the new pork from the barrel, & cut the
lean & bones - & packed away the fat portions again – about 4 o’clock –
Father sent for me as rec’d a letter from Unlce Edward, that he had sent
by Express – two barrels of apples to arrive today – I went over & had
the horse harnessed to the wagon, & taking James with me – drove to the
station – it was a stormy ride – procured apples & returned, & left them
at my house – I did several chores to get all snug for the night – Mary
has had Neuralgia for several days & today – is troubled with pain in
her back & all around – some cord failed, while she was making the bed –
It was now 12o’c, - all have returned – I am watching the baby in his
cradle – the stove is roaring & the storm is raging –
Friday, December
13, 1867
Cold, wind North Easterly & snow drifting. Cloudy & air filled with
flying particles of snow – We remained at the house – I looked over the
papers, & Harper’s Weekly – Opened, barrels of Greenings in sent by
Uncle E. – fine quality – The children shelled Lima beans this aftr. –
Archie went to the P.O. at evenig. – No mail today –
Saturday, December
14, 1867
Cloudy & some snow fell – the drifting is over – I judge the snow to be
about a foot on the level – I hardly went out of the house – reading & -
picked over the barrel of Baldwins – found more than a bushel in the
middle of the barrel – The children shelled more beans, late this aftr.
This forenoon James & Archie went to assist in breaking the roads, - No
mail, nor cars today –
Sunday, December
15, 1867
Fair & cold – On account of the snow we did not open the church today –
but remained at home. – The cars arrived this evenig. –
Monday, December
16, 1867
Clear & cold – wind North West – I wrote several letters & sent of
circulars - We went to father’s soon after 9o’c - & prepared the sled,
& harnessed horses – Went to mill & procured flour & - then went East
westward along the Moriches road to the end of father’s road district,
to break the road – returned, & went down the Fireplace Road, to the
first house – had some digging to do, & did not get back till nearly 1
o’clock – This aftr. at the house, waiting & towards evenig – removing
snow about the woodpile & clearing the road around the house, as I may
send off cranberries tomorrow – This evenig. wrote to Carl A. Smith –
prepared certificate &
Tuesday, December
17, 1867
Night frosty – today milder – mornig fair – aftr. cloudy – wind
southerly - & about 4o’c drops of rain – I wrote several letters, & sent
circulars – at 9o’c, went for the horses & sled, carted at two loads,
the 13 barrels of cranberries to the station, before 11o’c – waited till
the mail train, & sent a box by Express – As there was no prospect of a
freight train today . I put the barrels into the freight house – this
aftr. looked over the papers – sawed some wood, & then Archie & James
sawed more & I split the sticks –
Wednesday,
December 18, 1867
The weather cleared during the night – today, clear & cool – wind
northerly – pleasant for the season – I split some wood – wrote several
letters – carried them to the P.O. & rode to the station with J.P. Mills
– The freight train had gone, & taken my barrels – returned home – After
dinner looked over papers – split wood at woodpile, which James & Archie
sawed today – This evenig – arranged papers – Agricultural bills & -
Thursday, December
19, 1867
Clear & cold – evenig. frosty, at 9 o’clock, mercury 4°
below 0. I wrote letters, & directed circulars – split wood which Archie
& James sawed today – both morning & after. – looked over papers –
Friday, December
20, 1867
Morning opened cloudy, weather moderate, & soon snow storm set it in –
forenoon snowed fast – wind became southerly aftr. – snow ceased, & fine
rain – day closed foggy & damp. I wrote several letters – Went to the
P.O. – looked over papers –Aftr. commenced writing the Award of Premiums
for the Printer –
Saturday, December
21, 1867
The weather cleared during the night – Today, clear & pleasant – mild –
cooler towards, evening. – I prepared a box this morning., & put into a
peck or more of cranberries, & after seeing it – directed to H.A. Reeves
– soon after 11o’c, I went to the station for Susie, who came from
Riverhead, on the mail train. – I left the box to be forwarded by
Express. I returned home between 12&1, split wood, sawed by Archie &
James – This aftr. between 2&3, took Mary & the children a ride in the
sleigh, down Yaphank Avenue – sleighing good- We returned soon – then I
split wood till dusk – This evening continued the award of premiums –
Sunday, December
22, 1867
Southerly wind during the night, & commenced raining – Today, damp &
misty, with rain – some snow disappeared – We remained at the house –
Monday, December
23, 1867
The weather cleared during the night today fair – furious, westerly
westerly wind - & grew colder towards evenig – I split some wood early –
Wrote a letter to W. Nicoll - & directed a number of circulars – I went
the turf heap, near the swamp, & cleared away snow from several logs –
till 1o’c – This aftr., Archie I went down & sawed off the butt end of a
large log to square it – then sawed off a number of sticks (for
firewood) from another log – Archie went to skate – between 3&4, & I
remained & split the sticks, & some cordwood – I wrote more of the award
of premiums. – Hear of the death of Mrs. Laws
Tuesday, December
24, 1867
The night was cold – at sunrise the sky was very red – but soon became
obscured by clouds – the sun made some attempts to shine, during the day
– but the most part cloudy, with chilly southwest wind – I wrote two
letters – writing upon the award of the premiums – between 11&12, went
to the pond to skate – staid about half and hour – Susy went along, &
skated. – I returned home & prepared to attend the funeral of Mrs. Laws
– walked to the chapel, but learning that there would some delay in the
services, as the hearse had to go to Bellport Station, I returned home,
& procured the horse & wagon, & took Mary to the funeral – we arrived in
time - & came home as soon as the services we over, except stopping at
the store to procured some articles for the children – I split some wood
& -
Wednesday,
December 25, 1867
Froze during the night – this mornig. pleasant – calm & mild – thawed
rapidly – aftr. cloudy, & then evenig – commenced raining – The children
were much pleased, at finding something in their stockings – I was
occupied today in writing the award, & splitting wood at intervals –
Archie & James went to skate –
Thursday, December
26, 1867
The rain of last night, carried off much of the snow, today mild &
pleasant – clear – I wrote, & completed the list of awards – split some
wood, & cut some – This aftr. James & Archie sawed the pine logs, on the
turf heap, & split the sticks – This evenig. wrote certificates for
Weeks, sewing machine – and a letter to W. Nicoll –
Friday, December
27, 1867
The snow has mostly disappeared – patches, & remains of banks, here &
there – froze a little last night - this mornig. fair - & mild –
thawing with fresh southerly wind – I sharpened axes – wrote upon the
premium list, entering in a book of premiums due – Went to the turf heap
& split blocks of the pine tree – James Albin called – paid him for cutg.
& cartg. wood – This aftr. went below again – the boys sawed several
sticks of pine, & we put the logs in place for loading – then went to
the west side of the clearing & sawed up a large pine tree, into two saw
logs, & cordwood – then Archie & I cut down a large oak, and we trimmed
– I did not leave it till dusk –
Saturday, December
28, 1867
A little rain during the night – This mornig – damp & mild – About 7o’c,
rain commenced – rained some time & then cleared off & the rest of the
day fair – I went down to wheel out some peat, & was obliged to leave
when the rain came on – entered more of the award of the premiums – then
filed saw - & about 11o’c – went to the west side of the clearing , &
while James & Archie sawed off blocks from the oak – I split them, &
trimmed – I went to the store this aftr. & after my return, went down
again, & worked at the other trees, the boys sawing & - cut down another
tree –
Sunday, December
29, 1867
Clear & colder – At the church this mornig. I read the service & a
sermon – Alfred Mills played the organ – quite a number present – The
rest of the day, I remained at the house –
Monday, December
30, 1867
The ground froze hard last night – today fair – cold – wind light – N.W.
– Harnessed horse, after breakfast & with Archie, carted the firewood,
(8 loads) which had cut & sawn, along the border of the swamp – finished
this about 11o’c, took out the horse, & went below & wheeled out peat, &
spread it – (12 loads) – This aftr. we cut down a large pine standing on
the Island & sawed off two logs - & put them in a proper position for
loading upon the sled – the boys went to skate, & I procured my candle
wood & set fire to the pine brush, cut from the Pines, along the border
– Continued at this till, in the evening –
Tuesday, December
31, 1867
Last night was cold – this morning mercury in the north wing, - at 22°
- morning – fair – aftr. cloudy, & appearance of snow – Sound of the
ocean this evenig. – This forenoon – we cleared away some bushes, & then
cut down a large pine tree, from which the boys cut one log, & then went
to skate – I remained & trimmed the tree, which occupied till nearly
10o’c – This aftr. when I started to go to work , met J. Glover, at the
door – who expressed a wish to look at the cranberry bed – We walked
around & in the meanwhile the boys finished the tree – cutting off 2
logs. -