Pettis Arlindo Reid's Journal 1876

New Paris, OHIO

1 Jan 1875: "Staid at home in the morning. Took a boot down to Uncle Bill's about noon to get him to put a patch on the toe of it. Came home and got my dinner then walked over to Middleboro. Saw Boswell's girls and asked them whether they heard George was killd or not, yet. They said they had not heard whether it was him or not. Staid over there until 4 o'clock then came up to bill Alexander's, and the boys Wess and Colly got ready and we started to Paris and got as far as Rob Richey's when we met Charley and Nate Hahn dead drunk nearly. They had been over to Richmond after a load of coal for Tom Porterfield and while over there got pretty full but when they got to Paris they drank a quart of gin then they got as far home as Rob's when we met them. Joe Slife took Charley up home in the wagon. Wess and I led Nate nearly home then we left him. Foggy and dank all day with snow two or three inches deep at night.

Saturday, January 2, 1875: Went down to Paris in the morning with Marcus Reid. Had no errand but went down just to be going. Staid until 1 or 2 o'clock then rode up home with Jerry Jourdan. At night got nady and went down to Uncle Bill's then went over to Concord to Meeting. There was not very many there but they had a good meeting. It was going to continue all next week. Wess Barton came home with me and staid all night. He told me several things that I did not know before, of some young ladies that I have been acquainted with for some time, but I didn't believe it, for I have been with them as much as any one else, nearly, and I have never seen any thing out of the way with them. Not disputing Wess' word for some one else told him. Cloudy and stormy in the morning but clear and cold in the afternoon and at night. Paid 25 cents for Slate for Charley.

Sunday, January 3, 1875: Dressed up and went with Wess up to his home. Staid there until he got ready then went over to Concord to sunday school. When I got there they wanted me to take a class and hear it did so. After sunday school came over to Pleasant Hill and saw Marcus Penland and borrowed his sleigh. Staid until meeting was out then came home, got my dinner and then went over to Bob's after the sleigh. Then came back and got Marcus Reid to go along with me to Middleboro. After Sunday School got some gals and took a sleigh ride up to Hollands nearly. Saw some of the school children and expect they will go for me at school tomorrow. Got back in time for meeting in Middleboro. Staid until meeting closed then took my gal home and then the sleigh and then myself. Made arrangements for Jakey Flatter to come down Saturday night. Clear and beautiful.

Monday, January 4, 1875: Came by Uncle Bill's and went up to school and got my boot. He half-soled it and put a patch on the toe. Walked up to school, then. There were Thirty three in the forenoon and Thirty four in the afternoon. Had a very good school all day. Some of the pupils had not got along as far in their studies during the holidays as I had expected they would. I guess they wanted to take the holiday. Sometimes I wonder whether the pupils are learning any or not. Sometimes I think they are and at other times I think they are not. I guess that it depends somewhat upon the mood I am in. If I am in a good humor everything seems to go right and the pupils seem to learn. if in the contrary everything goes wrong; they seem to take no interest; and I get discouraged and do not take the Interest I should. Wrote last two days up there went over to Flatters'.Cloudy and stormy all day.

Tuesday, january 5, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. Could not wish for any better. There were Thirty eight present. Made one or two stay in on account of their noisiness in the house, during playtime. One of the pupils was to have a piece but forgot to have him speak yesterday so was going to hear it today but he had w--- gotten one. Hurried over to Flatters' and got my supper and then went up to Hollandsburg with Five other boys, to meeting. Heard a man preach that was sharply nature. Sharp, by name, and he lived in a sharp little town by the name of Sharp's eye. Spoke to Jakey, coming home, about going down to Tom Baker's Saturday night. He said he would go if nothing happened. Perry Thurston wanted me to go to a dance with him Thursday night. Told him I could not go. Clear and cold as---.

Wednesday, January 6, 1975: Taught school. There were thirty three or four present. Got along finely. I thought maybe school would not be much account after holidays, but I believe it is better than it was before then. Maybe it will not last long, though. I wish it would but fear I can not keep up an interest as that school depends upon that. Will do all I can to make school interesting. Clear and cold as it can be almost.

Thursday, January 7, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school until afternoon when they got pretty noisy then I got out of patience and scolded around like every thing. There are two or three boys that I will have to punish some of these days and I dont know how to punish them for they are to big to whip. Came to Flatters' at night got my supper then went up to Hollandburg in my sleigh with Flatter's folks to meeting. Heard a young fellow speak on the subject "Knock and it shall be opened unto you." made several good points with the subject and got 8 joiners. He was of the New light denomination.

Friday, January 8, 1872: Taught school. Had a very good school but they were a little noisy in the evening. Had spelling and arithmetic school after dinner. Walked down home was going to Concord to meeting but when I got there I found out there was not any so came home. Stopped at Uncle Bills as I came along and paid him one dollar for repairing my boots. Not leading a very active life I sometimes have not enough news to fill up a page so in the remainder of some of the pages will be found some of the news of the day that happened where they were written or if there are no important news that happened will fill the vacancy with choice selections of Wit and humor or anything else that will prove interesting or beneficial. Cloudy and pleasant during the day but at night a hard wind and it was dreadful cold.

Saturday, January 9, 1875: Staid at home until about nine o'clock and then went down to Paris a foot. Did not think it was so cold until I met John Richie and he said that the thermometer was 21 degrees below zero. I got cold immediately after I heard that news and was nearly frozen when I got to Paris. Staid there until 1 o'clock waiting for the mail train to come but It did not come so I came up home with wind right slap in my face. You 'petter pelieve" it was cold. When I got home John Barten was there getting up money for the distressed in Kansas. gave him 25 it being all the change I had. Washed and dressed and got my dinner then went up to Thu Baker's as per agreement. Met Jakey near Tom's and then went in but my bird had not alighted yet awaited awhile and she didnt come so I went to Concord to meeting. Came home by way of John Barten's and plagued Jessie and Hannah awhile then came home. In Richmond mercury was 26 degrees below zero. Froze my -----.

Sunday, January 10, 1875: Went up to Pleasant in the morning to Sunday school. There were twelve or thirteen there so they formed just two classes. Staid and heard Mr. Myers preach. Wess Barton came home with me. Got our dinners then went up to Middleboro to Sunday school. Went up to Boone Barton's and thought I would spend the evening with him but he went off to bed and left me so I staid up any how. If he don't get in more night would next time I will never come to see him again. Had lots of fun. Learned why Becky Ann Elizabeth did not come up to Tom Bakers last night. Came home about two o'clock. Cold and clear as ever nearly.

Monday, January 11, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. It was so cold that the attendance was not so good as common but what were there were as good as could be and they had very good lessons too. Went to Flatters and got my supper then went to Hollansburg to meeting in the sleigh. There were six that joined the church. The house was crowded so much that there was not standing room. hardly. Saw Lill Addleman from Concord there. Walked down home with Jakey. I guess Flatters did not like it because I did not come down in the sleigh with them. I thought I would walk down with Jakey just for company but we got in the sled with Armacosts' and rode, so we did not walk at last. Cloud and cold.

Tuesday, January 12, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. Wrote a letter to Forrest Beal Niles. Mich. Went over to Flatters got my supper then went up to Hollansburg to meeting. They got eight joiners. Mr. Spade preached. He is a dutch preacher and a very good speaker too. Came down home with Flatters in the sleigh. Rained all the time we were going up and coming from meeting. Cloudy during the day. Paid 3 cts. postage.

Wednesday, January 13, 1875: Taught school. Had a full school and a tolerable good one considering everything. Went home got my supper then went up to meeting with the boys. They had Six joiners. Meeting was going to close but considering everything the preacher thought it best to continue on. Walked back home and worked some examples for Monroe Richards. Snowy and cloudy in the day but cleared off at night and turned cold.

Thursday, January 14, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school considering the cold weather &c. There was a very good attendance and they all seemed to take an interest. had the head ache so badly that I could not do much. Went over to Flatters' and got my supper and then went up to Hollansburg in the sleigh to meeting. The house was crowded as usual. Saw Charley and Wess Barton with their gals. Got an introduction to a Miss Peden by Miss Roberts. They got ten joiners in all I guess they have Seventy two. I never saw a meeting carried on with less excitement i all my life. They go at it as calm as if it was an every day matter. The greater majority of them are solid men and women, and will make good, active member. Clear and cold as blixen.

Friday, January 15, 1875. Taught school. Had a tolerable good school all day. School was as full as common and a general interest was taken. Had declarations and Compositions in the afternoon. Some of them had very good pieces and others not so good. One big boy had such a small piece that I told him to come Monday with a new piece. Marcus Reid came up to school in the evening in his sleigh. After school got in and came hoe with him. There was a party at David Ogdens' was invited but couldnt go. Pap and Mother went down to Billy Reids' below Paris. Staid at home with the children. Clear and cold.

Saturday, January 16, 1875: Staid at home until after dinner then went down to Paris to see John McWhinney about buying an organ for Flatters. John was not at home but made arrangements with Lute for them to come up one night. I would say. Walked up home and stopped over for the night. Cloudy and cold.

Sunday, January 17, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill to Sunday school in the morning. Jennie Penland, Marcus and Alice came home with me. Staid at home until evening then went with George Reid to see the folks. Went by Boon Bartons but my folks was not there so went down to Middleboro to meeting at night. Saw them safely home then came home. Was about half mad before I went down but after I got there was madder. Wess Barton had been telling some stuff on me just to play me out I guess. and he told me part of it. part of it was so and the rest was not. She said that there was some more but she would not tell me. I can guess nearly what it is and if it is what I think it is. Mr. Barton will pay for the tallyro. Don't know whether I will go down there anymore or not. Made arrangements for a party at Flatters' on Tuesday night. Cloudy and cold.

Monday, January 18, 1875: Walked up to school in one hour and twenty minutes. Was so tired that I did not feel like during anything all day therefore school was not as good as common. Went over to Flatters' in the evening and told them about the party. Don't know whether they liked it very well or not. I don't believe I will ever try to get up another party for it either makes some one mad or else some one makes a dance out of it. Wrote a letter to Uncle Al Windsor concering a farm that is for sale northeast of Kokomo. Cloudy and cold.

Tuesday, January 19, 1875: Taught school. Had a little better order and lessons than yesterday but the lessons and order might have both been better. Went over to Flatter's and found the McWhinney boys and Lurt Reid had come with an organ. After supper went down to Mr. Loudenslager's, with Jakey after his fiddle. Came back but the crowd from pleasant Hill had not come yet so we awaited awhile and had about given them out when they came. After they came, though, we put in the time well. They staid until about 12 o'clock then went home. After they left, sat around awhile then retired. Cloudy and pleasant.

Wednesday, January 20, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerably good school all day. There was nothing of any interest that transpired today so I will close by saying that it was cloudy but pleasant. Oh yes! McWhinneys boy and Lurt stayed all night and I stayed so long in the morning listening to them play and sing that I was tardy. John tried to play the "shenanegan" on them (Flatters) by making me tell that we paid $230 instead of $180 for our organ. I did not think that John was that kind of a fellow. I told him I would tell them what we paid and if he could sell one at that price all right as I would lie for no one.

Thursday, January 21, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium good school. Talked to some of the pupils about having an exibition the last day and as there was not enough in the school large enough sent word to some of the outsiders would help. Foggy and rainy in the afternoon but at night it cleared off and turned cold.

Friday, January 22, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school but some of the scholars thought they would try me and see how many of their tricks I would and one went so far that I scorched his breeches for him. I don't know whether It is very good policy to whip or not but I believe it does some good with some children. We will se whether this did any good or not and if it does maybe will try the gad on some of the others that are getting large for their trousers. Walked down as far as Tim Baker's when I met Geo Reid going up to Hillsboro after Henry Reid to come down as Aunt was not expected to live. Got in the buggy & went up with him. Staid and warmed a few minutes then came home. Stopped in at Uncle Bills a few minutes, Clear and pleasant.

Sunday, January 24, 1875: Went up to Pleasant hill in the morning. There were three women and children and Seven or eight men and boys. Came home and got my dinner and started up to Flatters. Came by way of Mike Reids and there George came with me as far as Ross Reids. Came past Friendship and saw [ink faded] and he told me that George Niggles child was dead. It was a grandchild of Mr. & Mrs. Flatter. He also told me of a sadder death of an old lady by the name of Adkins. She was found dead in her bed on Saturday night. Went up to Flatters' and staid the rest of the day. Sunny-----.

Monday, January 25, 1875: Taught school. School was not very well attended probably on account of their being two funerals in the neighborhood, There were twenty two I believe. Had a very quiet school and a very good one. Went over to Flatters and expected to find them pretty sober but could see no difference only in the women folks practiced on the organ until bed time. After school was out went up to Jona Browns and got his ladder and fixed the bell rope. Took the ladder back and asked him about having the exibition and he thought we had better not have it as it would take the children minds off their studies. Clear and cold.

Tuesday, January 26, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium good school. John McWhinney and Lute came up about 2 O'clock and staid until school was out and then got in the wagon and went over to Flatters. Lute was sick and John gave us all the music that was had. A few of the neighbors came in to hear them. John wanted me to travel for him this summer and sell organs told him I did not know whether I could or not. I did not ask him what he would give but if I can make as much at that as school teaching will quit teaching and go to peddling. Clear and pleasant.

Wednesday, January 27, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium god school although they were tolerably noisy. Foggy and damp.

Thursday, January 28, 1875: Taught school. Had not a school worth a shit. As I came over to school this morning I saw John Harrison and he told me that some of the boys had been quarreling yesterday in time of books and that they cursed each other and came pretty near fighting. So I got me some gads and drawed the boys up but they denied all that I had heard and said they were as good friends as they ever was and had not been mad. So that just gave me a back set and I told the boys I would lay it before the directors and whatever the said I would do. Saw Jona Brown and he said that the boys should be punished if guilty but it hardly look fair to punish them in just one boys testimony. Saw John and he said to drop it and Perry said the same. John said several things but have not room here to relate them so will do so on another page. Cloudy and foggy.

Friday, January 29, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium good school in the forenoon but not much in the afternoon. Had five visitors from N----- Ireland's school. They heard that we were going to have an exercise in the afternoon and came down to hear and see. Snowy and stormy.

Saturday, January 30, 1875: Went down to Paris in the morning and looked at some cloth then got some dialogue books of bill Kirk and then went off to Richmond on the train. Paid $3 boot for a ring between one that I had and the one I bought. $3.50 hat and .25 cts. RR ticket and .05 cts. Sundries. Came up to Middleboro with David Little and then came up home and got my supper and went to Spelling school with Geo Reid on horse back. to Middleboro. Pronounce before recess and after recess spelled. Ma gal was there and thought to devil me by flirting with some of the other boys so I let her take care of herself. Came home about 11 o'clock. Was sick all day and night. Cloudy and cool in the forenoon and clear in the afternoon.

Sunday, January 31, 1875. Started up to Flatters and got as far as Pleasant Hill where I got with George Reid and got down below and took dinner. Then came up to Middleboro and to Sunday School and then went home. I guess the folks felt a little cheap abut how they acted. We talked it all over and I guess both of us are to blame. Cloudy and cold as the dickens.

Monday, February 1, 1875: Taught school. Had a much better school than I expected to have. I was discouraged this morning before I began that I knew not hardly what to do. but I came up and had a very good school. After school Jona Brown and I had a talk about the school and he advised me to go ahead and not pay attention to what was said. Cloudy and cold.

Tuesday, February 2, 1875: Taught school. Had a pretty good school all day. In the afternoon it was not so good as in the forenoon. I don't know whether to have an exibition the last day or not. Some of them were talking about getting some pieces but did not know whether we would get part of them to go in it or not. I don't like to compel them to get pieces but they din't seem to want to go into it very strong. There has never been anything of the kind going on here and it will be an endless job to get up anything that will compete with other schools that are experienced. Hence I hate to undertake it for I never tried to conduct anything of the kind before. Cloudy and warm with heavy rain at night.

Wednesday, february 3, 1875: Taught school. Had a pretty good school all day. George Slorp waited until I swept the I went home with him. Had lots of fun. I think Slorp's are about as friendly as anybody ever came across. When i am there I feel just like I am at home and act accordingly. The boys have got a drum and a fiddle and they would first play the fiddle then beat the drum and take it turns about until 11 o'clock when we went to bed. Windy and dreadful cold all day and night.

Thursday, February 4, 1875: Taught school. Had only 19 or 20 pupils.It was so cold that none of the smaller girls or boys could come. Had tolerable good school considering everything. Towards night I began to get the blues and could hardly wait till school was out. Whenever there is but a few at school out of several it is the hardest thing in the world for me to keep my spirits up. Went over to Flatter's and ate a lot of apples and popcorn that or something else made me dreadfully sick about 2 o'clock in the morning. Had the same kind of spell over at Slorp's last night Cold as whiz.

Friday, February 5, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school all day. some of the boys went up to Mr Ireland's school but came home at recess. They went up in the afternoon. Went to Flatters as I am going to teach tomorrow. Cloudy and cold.

Saturday, February 6, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium good school there not being full attendance. it was a little dull. Slorp's boys went back on us today and said they would not get their parts in the exibition. so I expect that will knock it all on the head with the rest of it. Charley came up after me in the buggy. Went down home got on some other duds and my supper and then took my gal over to Middleboro to spelling school. They wanted me to pronounce but I would not for they had such poor order before that I was ashamed to pronounce and scold at the same time. Took her home and then came home. Sleekest weather I ever saw. Cloudy and cold with some snow at night.

Sunday, February 7, 1875: Went down to Uncle Bill Reid's in the morning & staid until 11 o'clock then came home got my dinner and then went over to Sunday school. Had pretty good company all the way. After Sunday school got in with George Reid and took a small ride then got out and took a hop skip jump over the creek a little bit and then came back as far as Bill Alexander's when I thought I would go in and see the folks. Went in and found all of them barking around with colds. They kept it up until I went away. when it was about one o'clock. Talked our litle spat over and I guess we were both to blame. If anyone I was the most. Clear but cold.

Monday, February 8, 1875: Taught school. Never had the "blues" so bad in my life hardly. It seemed to me that everybody was mad at me and had got the children mad too. I was discourage so badly that I would gladly have laid down and died but went over to Flatter's and they had more cause to be troubled than I had, and tried to be cheerful, that it made feel much more cheerful just on their account. I just made up my mind that if anybody wanted to talk and lie on me it was al right as I am not very broad shouldered and it will all soon slide off. Went up to Hollandsburg with Jessie to a concert. Given by Prof Giffe and twipe it was very fine music but us country folk can't appreciate it like we do something more quick and noisy. Jessie run off with some girl so came home by myself. Clear and cold. Paid .25 cents. Admission.10 cts. Sundries.

Tuesday, february 9, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. There was quite a difference between yesterday's school and today's. What makes it I don't know. Sometimes I think it is according to the humor you are in whether you have a good school or not and sometimes I think it is the weather an I'll be dogged if I knew what makes the difference. Stopped in to see Willie Brown as I went home and promised them I would come back so after supper myself and Thisha and Thurston went over and staid until 10 o'clock. Willie is a pretty sick boy. He has the lung fever and is about 4 years old. he is one of the smartest boys for his age I ever saw. Clear and cold. As I was going over to school I was walking with my head down to keep my ears warm and first thing I knew I was right in John Harrison's arms. I never was scared so badly in my life.

Wednesday, February 10, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerably good school all day, but hardly so good as yesterday. There were not so many either, as it was a very bad, snowy day. Went over to Flatter's and found them in a peck of trouble but am not at liberty to here, tell what it is, suffice to say that they are in a very tight place & would not like to be in their shoes. I may tell in some other part of this book the trouble and its cause but will not now.

Thursday, February 11, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school but there were only a few i attendance. There was about 22 or three I guess. Went over to Flatters and after supper took a sleigh ride about a mile north of Bethel. It was mighty cold, I tell you. Got back about 10 o'clock at night. Clear and cold as whiz.

Friday, February 12, 1875. Taught school. Had a very good school all day. In the afternoon we practiced on our pieces. There was not any of them that had committed them yet so we did not have a nice time but just merely had them say the pieces after me as I rad it. Pap came up after me in the sleigh in the evening. Snowed about three inches and made nice sleighing. Went down to Bill Alexander's in the evening. Was bored nearly to death after I got there.

Saturday, February 13, 1875: Went down to Paris in the morning and got on the train and went over to Richmond. Paid .45 cts. RR Ticket, .59 cts. Tickets Sundries .23 cts. Box Collars .35 cts. Came back to Paris on the 2.40 Local and got my measure taken for a suit of clothes. Geo Burtsch is to furnish the cloth and Abe Johns is to make the coat and vest and Mrs. Russell to make the pants, all for about $32.00. Came up home got ready went down to Uncle Bill's. Got Marcus' sleigh and started over to Middleboro. Went after "mien frau" but she had flown so I went over in single Wretchedness With Geo Reid & Charley. Pronounced part of the time but there were some boys that were so noisy that I quit. Took a sleigh ride after school and then of course I was cold so went inside to warm my toes. They were awful cold so it took an awful long time to warm. Came home at 3 O'clock. Clear and cold.

Sunday, February 14, 1875: Went down to Uncle Bill Reid's in the morning then Geo Reid came along and we went over to Middleboro to hear Robt Shute preach.It was a kind of a dry preach. Staid until I got tired then went up to Uncle Pat Reid's and got our dinner. After dinner went down to Sunday school and from here home. At night got in the sleigh and went over there to meeting and afterwards took a sleigh ride, Came home at 10 o'clock nearly frozen. Clear and pleasant.

Monday, February 15, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school all day Came over to Flatters in the evening and went with Jessie up to Hollansburg to hear Mr. Carlton preach. He is a very smart man and handles his subject very well. He preached that this life was a school and that we were placed here and if we disobeyed the laws of nature we were finished here an if we did a kindness we would be rewarded in turn. He preached pretty well but I dont believe his doctrine will hold when the world is left to shift for itself and every man will be rewarded in heaven just the same whether he has been a fiend or a saint. Clear and cold.

Tuesday, February 16, 1875: Taught school. Just a medium school. Went up to Hollansburg in the sleigh with Flatters folks for Methodist meeting. Couldn't help to notice the difference between meeting tonight and that last night. At the one last night everyone was quiet as could be while the one tonight was all noise and excitement. There either is some reality in religion or else one half of humanity are confirmed hypocrites and I don't know which. Clear and cold.

Wednesday, February 17, 1875: Taught school, Had a tolerable good school. Went over to Arne Richards and staid until bedtime. Had a big argument on scripture. Cloudy and cold.

Thursday, February 18, 1875: Taught school.Had a first rate school all day. went over to Armacosts with Tisha in the evening and staid until bedtime. Had a nice time. We talked over some of our old time experiences and had things lively for awhile. Clear and pleasant.

Friday, February 19, 1875: Taught school. Had declarations and dialogue in the afternoon some of them did not have them very well and am almost afraid to have them speak them the last day. I don't believe I will ever get up another last day exercise. Pap came after me in the sleigh. Snowy and cold.

Saturday, February 20, 1875: Walked down to New Paris in the morning to see Mr. McWhinney's boys about coming up to school to play for us. They were not at home so I left a note for them in the P.O. Came home and went down to Uncle Bill's and then over to Middleboro to see John Hawkins about coming up and fiddleing for us. He said he would come if he had time. Paid 10 cents for Cigars. Cloudy and pleasant.

Sunday, February 21, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning then came home and went to Bill Alexander's after dinner then went over to Middleboro to meeting. After meting went down the creek awhile. Came home about 2 o'clock. Snowed all forenoon. Clear in the afternoon and at night John Benson offered me $1.50 a day to teach our school. told him I would do it if they had a three months school. He said he would see the other directors and let me know in a few days.

Monday, February 22, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school. Pap took me up to school in the sleigh. Bought a "coon" hide of him and took it up to Perry. Paid 75 cents and sold it for 80 cents. Snow began to melt and I never saw snow go away faster in my life. Clear and warm.

Tuesday, February 23, 1875: Taught school. Had the blues all day. Some of the folks are mad because we are going to have pieces the last day and say their children shall not take any part in them, and some of the rest don't come, so we can't practise what pieces we have got. I have a great notion to go home Thursday and tell Mr. McWhinney's boys and the rest not to come up. If I had known it would have given me such trouble, I would never have undertaken to have had anything the last day. Clear and warm and slippy as it can be.

Wednesday, February 24, 1875: Taught school. Had the blues worse than ever. Don't know what in the Dickens to do. School is doing no good and to save my neck I can't do anything for I believe they are all mad at me and I haven't got spunk enough left to do hardly anything. Cloudy and foggy.

Thursday, February 25, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school much better than have had this week. Hurried through with the classes and after recess practiced on the pieces until 5 o'clock there. Henry Slorp came down home with me. I am afraid tomorrow will prove a failure after I came home our folks said that McWhinney's boys understood that school was out on Saturday and had arrangements to come on that day but could not come on Friday. Snowy and damp.

Friday, February 26, 1875: Hurried up to school in the morning and then went to make my programme and found that we had 37 pieces an songs so that made me feel more light hearted than ever. Alvert more they began to come in and bring their dinners So we set up a table and had a very nice dinner. We had some music by the name of Turner. He plays opera music first rate. In the afternoon we spoke our pieces and had a much nicer time than I though we would have. Went over to Flatters in the evening but forgot to take some boards we had made our table with home so we jumped on the mare and went and carried them home. Tried to make out my report but Geo Reid was there and they cut up so that I had to quit. Clear and pleasant.

Saturday, February 27, 1875: Made out m report in the morning then left Mr Flatter's about 10 o'clock and went to Hollansburg for my order. Got my order then went across to New Madison for the money. Saw some of the nicest farming country I ever saw. The roads were very rough so U had to go very slow and get a good look of the country. Darke County has the most free turnpikes of any County I know of. You can go any direction from Hollansburg or Madison and travel on free pikes but one an that runs from Richmond to Hollansburg. Drew my money $120.00 then Perry got in the buggy with me and rode partly home with me. Paid him $25.00 for them to take out board bill and other charges and him to hand what was left when I saw him. He wanted me to Promise to come up next Thursday sure so I promised I think there is something in the wind. He settled Jakey's difficulty and he is coming home as soon as he can. Came on home. Windy and cold as the dickens. Paid .20 cts. sundries.

Sunday, February 28, 1875: Went up in the morning to Pleasant Hill to Sunday school. George Reid came home with me. After dinner went over to Middleboro to Sunday school. I am thinking if the Sunday schools did us as much good as our attendance is regular we would soon know the scriptures well enough to get us a horse License to preach. After Sunday school went up to John Boyd's and staid until meeting time then went down to Meeting. John's are not near so fine as I expected to find them. It was the first time I ever was there and I felt right at home as soon as I to there. Went home with "Becky Jane" after meeting. Didn't allow to go in at first as I had been there last Sunday, but changed my notion and thought I would go in and not my hands and face. You bet I rested them too. Made arrangements to go to Joe Baker's next Sunday if I could. Snowy and stormy. Got pretty wet coming home. 3.15 Fell on a stove and nearly busted me. I am OK.

Monday, March 1, 1875: Staid around home until after dinner then went to New Paris to see about some pants that I ordered made a week or so ago. Went down there and they had never got the goods and did not know when they could be had. As I started up home I ran across Horace Kesler who wanted me to buy him a pint of whiskey. He was about as drunk as he could be to walk straight. He plead my hand at me to get it for him and even offered me 50 cents if I would go but I told him told him he would have to excuse me as I was not of age and could not get it without going to a doctor and getting an order from him and that I would not do. I was afraid he would raise thunder but he took it in a good humor. Walked on up home but thought it would rain any minute for it clouded up and became very dark but it turned out to be more wind than rain.

Tuesday, March 2, 1875: Staid around the house all day. I don't believe I was out of the yard but once all day and that was once when I went down around the barn just for fun. Learned to play some on the fiddle. If I thought I could learn to play I would try right away and learn as I can get a fiddle of Bill Alexander for $2.00 that sounds first rate. Sam Penland came over and wanted to borrow $15.00. I hated to bluest to loan it him but said he would give me an order on Marcus Reid so I thought I would accommodate him if I could.

Wednesday, March 3, 1875: Staid around home until about 10 or 11 o'clock then went over to Middleboro with Marcus Reid. Came home about 2 o'clock. Got my dinner then went down to Uncle Bill Reid's and played Cards until 11 o'clock. Had intended going down to Paris but it was so stormy and late that I did not go. I had a pair of pants to go for was the reason. I was going and the reason I wanted the pants was that I was going to Tisha Flatter's wedding tomorrow and I had no pants but one with a hole in the lower extremities. Snowed and stormed nearly all day.

Thursday, March 4, 1875: Went down to New Paris in the morning after my pants then hurried home and ironed my shirt put on my new pants and went to the wedding. But lo and behold when I got there they were married and had eaten all the chicken and turkey nearly and had washed the dishes and I thought I would stay until I got some cake &c to pay me for coming up. After supper had quite a monkey claw. I climbed the sheet and the rest of them held a concert after the show was over. Enjoyed myself hugely. Would not mind going to a wedding every two weeks. Beautiful day but the air was very cold. Paid Jimmy 5 cts. for getting up the horse & Saddle & Bridle.

Friday, March 5, 1875: Was going to Hollansburg to school but the folks all insisted so strongly on me going to the infair that I at last said I would go if the rest would go. So Lon Broderick, Jakey & Jessie and myself went over to the station got on the train and went to Richmond. I left my horse up at Flatter's for Jessie to ride down on Saturday. Went up to Mr. Broderick's about 10 o'clock and staid and got our dinner. They had as nice and good a dinner as I ever sat down to. Everything was cooked, and baked, and seasoned up in the best of style. It was so late when we got through with dinner that we could not go home on the train so we had to stay all night. Went down town there after dinner and kited among there until 7 or 8 o'clock. Us boys went in every drug store we could find & got all the Almanacs they would give us and brought them up and gave them to the wedding folks. Never had so much fun in my life. Cloudy and damp. The band serenaded them awfully good music.

Saturday, March 6, 1875: After breakfast went down town and ran around there until about 1 o'clock then got in the wagon with George Reid and came home by way of Paris. Was talking with John Dougan Cashier of the Second National Bank about getting a position for me in some -tin. He said he would procure one for me the first chance he had and would use all his influence until I procured one. Paid 65 cts for fiddle string and matchbook .60 cts. Pictures. Deposited $85.00 in the Second National Bank. Yesterday paid .40 cts. R.R. Ticket, .10 cts. Street car fare Received $2.15 Perry Flatter. Cloudy and thawing some but the air was mighty cool.

Sunday, March 7, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill awhile and then to Concord but there were so few there that I came back to Pleasant Hill Staid until meeting was out then went over to Mike Reid's for dinner. Staid until after dark. Was to go down below but I did not feel very well and it was sold that thought I will no go. I expect they will give me thunder but I can't help it. Awful windy and disagreeable.

Monday, March 8, 1875: Went over to John Benson's in the morning and made the contract for the school. I am to teach the school two an one half months to begin April 15 @ one dollar and fifty cents per day provided I can get a certificate. Came up to Uncle Bill's and had my boots repaired. Came up home and staid there the rest of the day. Clear but the air was very cold.

Tuesday, March 9, 1875: Walked down to Richmond in the morning. Paid .30 cts. for fiddle strings .20 cts. for fiddle keys and 5 cts. for bridge. Also 10 cts. for grub. staid there until about one o'clock and then went down to Uncle Pet Windsor's. In the evening went out to see his sugar furnace but it cost him $95.80 cts. in cash besides his own work. I think his sugar will cost him about $95.00 per lb if the weather is not more favorable than now. Cloudy and cool.

Wednesday, March 10, 1875: Said around the house all day studying and preparing for the examinations at Eaton next Saturday. I could not half study because I had no books. Went out to the Sugar house and knocked around there for a while after dinner and then came back to the house and staid the rest of the day. Cloudy and cool.

Thursday, March 11, 1875: I was going from here to Uncle Will Windsor's and then go to Eaton from there but I wanted to go to Paris Saturday night to spelling school and if went over there I could not get home in time for the "spell" so thought I would come home and get a horse. Came up to Richmond an went in to Bostick's and went to take my gloves off when one of my hands slipped and broke a glass out of one of their show cases. So I "hauled" over three dollars for the "fun." Staid around awhile then walked up to Middleboro and rested awhile. Paid 5 cts. for crackers. Came over home and sawed on the fiddle and studied alternately until bedtime. Cloudy and warm.

Friday, March 12, 1875: Staid at home in the forenoon and studied. Got ready after dinner and went down to Uncle Will's. It was dreadfully windy and took me nearly all afternoon. Chatted and cut up until nearly 11 o'clock then went to bed. Paid .01 ct. for toll. Clear and warm.

Saturday, March 13, 1875: Went up to Florence Station early and got in the train and went to Eaton. After I got there I went up town and bought a rubber and pencil. then came back to the school house to examination. Worked out my General Questions, Theory and Practice, Geography and Orthography by noon but not feeling hungry I just went ahead in Grammar. finished it about 2 o'clock. then took Arithmetic and finished 4.15. I was excited when I nad than I thought I would be. After examination went up town and got a Commissioner's Report then laid around until about train time when I went down to the depot. Came up to Florence to get on my horse and went down to Uncle Will's. I was so tired I could hardly sit still, I would rather go any place else than to an examination. Paid 37 cts R.R. Ticket. On other wads it would rather have cost 60 cts. but the grangers made the company reduce its pay to 8 cts. a mile. .15 cts. pencil and rubber 7 cts. Sundries. A most beautiful day.

Sunday, March 14, 1875: Started up home about 10 o'clock and got there about 1. The horse tried to throw me two or three times and came pretty near doing it once. Got ready and went over to Middleboro to Sunday school in the afternoon. After School went with the folks and fooled along the creek and woods. (for it wa so warm that I did not feel like being shut up in the house) until meeting time then went back to meeting. There was a woman that preached. They said that she was not right in her mind but I thought that she talked very sensible although she had some very queer gestures. After meeting went home with my Selina Jane. I didnt know hardly how to take her. Sometimes I think she don't want me about but maybe I just fancy it at any rate time will tell. At about 10 o'clock it began to rain so this "chile" thought he would go home. did not get wet but it rained hard afterward. Clear and hot during the day.

Monday, March 15, 1875: Went over to Hahn's in the morning after the schoolhouse key then went to the school house and swept it out. It was a dreadful dirty house but I guess it was no dirtier than the one I left. After I got it swept I fastened the window down and took the key and register down to Mike Reid's. He thought it best to commence school April 12th so I told him I would begin any time they wanted me to if I got a certificate and if I did not they would have to get another teacher. Rose Kirk came as far as our house with me. Staid home the rest of the stay. Had intended going to Rose's but it was so cold and windy that I did not go. Cloudy and in the afternoon it was very stormy.

Tuesday, March 16, 1875: Went down to Paris in the morning and sent off a couple of letters. Staid until about one o'clock there came home and staid there a thinking what I would get at after school is out. Sometimes I think I would like to be a doctor if I thought I would be a good one and at other times I think I would like farming if I had a good farm an sometimes I think if I had a Classical education I would follow teaching for a living and then the devil only knows what I don't think of. Paid .18 cts. Sundries. Awful windy and snowy all day. I don't believe I ever saw a worse day in my life. It was first clear then snowy then clear again all day.

Wednesday, March 17, 1875: Went down to Billy Garretson's in the morning to borrow his valise but he was not home and his wife did not know whether he would lend it or not so I came home and sent Jimmy over to borrow Geo Reid's if he had one. Washed and dressed ready to start by one o'clock but Jimmy never came until nearly two and when he did come he had no valise so I went to town and they packed my clothes in a trunk and pap brought it to town. Got in the train and went over to Richmond. Went into a grocery there and heard a darky tell about sparking Indian girls in Knoxville, Tenn. I never heard anything so funny in my life, hardly. Paid .15 cts. for Cakes, Beer &c. .25 cents RR ticket. Went down to Uncle Pet's in the evening about sundown. Windy and cold all day.

Thursday, March 18, 1875: Went out to the Sugar Camp in the morning and then came back and hitched up ready and then went up to Richmond. Paid $4.50 for two tickets to Indianapolis and then got my trunk checked and got in the train. Started at ten o'clock and arrived at Indianapolis about 1 o'clock. As the train did not leave for Jiensville (?) until 6 we went up to Mothers head & co.'s store as Uncle Pet had told us and found a relation by the name of Harry Brown. Went to his house and took dinner and staid until train time. I liked them very much and enjoyed myself first rate. They insisted on our coming back and staying on Sunday with them. Mr. Brown went with us to the depot and staid until the train left. Came to Augusta station and as no one came to meet us, took Ollie to Dr. Walker's, a relation of hers and I came to Nan Boaz's (?) about 4 miles from the station. The roads were very rough and the snow was two or three inches deep and I had an awful time. When I got there, they had gone to bed and I nearly scared them into ditch fits when I knocked at the door. When I made myself known they were right the other way. Paid .15 cts. street car fare and .10 cts. Apples and .60 cts. for 2 tickets to Augusta Sta. It began snowing about 11 o'clock and snowed all day and I don't know what time at night. It snowed about 4 inches or more.

Friday, March 19, 1875: Staid at Nan's till after dinner, then went home with Frank Walker. I would not have known any of them only him and Aunt Polly. I don't believe she looks any older than she did 10 years ago. Uncle John looks a great deal older than when I saw him last but he does not look as old as I thought he would. And Flory has grown from a little girl to a good looking young lady. She has made the greatest change of anyone I have seen yet. Sunny and sleety all day.

Saturday, March 20, 1875: Staid at Uncle John's until about noon when I went down to Royalton with Frank. It is not much of a place I assure you. The people are mainly dutch and have two Saloons. It has about 100 inhabitants with one brick hotel in 40 years.Came back and after dinner went to Traderspoint and then to Nan's. Traderspoint is a little trading point on Eagle creek. It consists of two stores, one Grist mill, one saw mill and eight or ten houses. there is a great deal of business transacted at this place as its name will show. It has two Suburban towns: one on the south having the famous name of Soapstick consisting of three houses including the Doctor's. Out the North is a town they call Lickskillet and judging from the inhabitants I think they have licked their skillets clean. There are 5 dwellings and "Rural Academy" in the place. Came back to Uncle John's in the evening. Cloudy and pleasant.

Sunday, March 21, 1875. Went down to Traderspoint and heard a man named Laughlin preach. He seems to be a commonplace man but he preaches a first rate sermon. He advanced an idea that was new to me viz: That God had done all He could to save the world and that He was not able to do so without the consent of the subject. It was the first time I ever heard a Methodist acknowledge it. Came back and staid until evening and then went with the rest of the folks to Bethel about six miles south. The house was crowded and it was a large home too. They had 2 joiners. There was lots of pretty girls there and if I had been acquainted with one there I would have squeezed her or busted. I believe I have seen her before and she watched me all evening like she knew me. Came back about 1 1/2 o'clock. Clear and cool.

Monday, March 22, 1875: Staid at Uncle John's and read and cut up until between four or five o'clock the I went with Frank over to one of their neighbors and started to go to Bethel to church but when I got to Lickskillet I concluded I would not go as it was so cold and there were three of us in the buggy, so I went up to Nan's and put up for the night. Got an introduction to an Indianapolis lady. She is a music teacher and her name is Young. Clear and pleasant.

Tuesday, March 23, 1875: Wrote a letter and took it down to the "point" in the morning. Went in to see Aunt Lydia Kennedy a few minutes then came back to Nan's and stayed there and cut up with the girls until almost 4 o'clock then I went down to the post office. Came back, changed my clothes, and then went up to Uncle John's. Played all the tricks I knew. Never laughed so much in one day in my life hardly. Frank did not know any games at all and he would bite at everything I would name and he would look so foolish, too, whenever he would get drowned, that it would make a brass monkey laugh. Clear in the morning but about noon it clouded up and snowed hard the rest of the day.

Wednesday, March 24, 1875: Went with Frank over to Mr. White's a neighbor of theirs. in the morning and staid until about noon: came back and staid at Uncle John's the rest of the day reading to. Had intended going to Mr. Watt's this morning but put it off until evening and when evening came thought we would got to bed and get up early in the morning and go to Indianapolis. So we went to bed. The sun shone most of the day and it thawed some but the air was cold.

Thursday, March 25, 1875: Got up bright and early about 7 o'clock and started for the city. We went through a nice country in going. Paid .35 cts. in toll. Put the horse up at a livery stable and then went over town awhile. Went to the "Bryan and Stratton Commercial College" awhile. Liked it very much and if I had not engaged to teach I would have started immediately. They said they would get me a situation if I would come, in about 8 weeks. Left there and got in the buggy and went over town. I believe it is as nice a town as I ever saw, especially the North part. Went to the State house and went all through the library and Geological departments. They are building a fine court house. The finest I ever saw at a cost of $1,000,000. Came home by way of the Insane Asylum. It is the biggest institution I ever saw. It is a large building covering a large area. Paid .34 cts. Sundries. Came home about dark. Clear and sunny all day but the air was cool.

Friday, March 26, 1875: Went over to Sam McCurdy's about noon today and staid until about four o'clock and then came up to Nan's and staid all night. He has a nice farm in Eagle Creek and is worth about 75 or $80,000. And he is not very old yet. Enjoyed myself first rate. As I came back stopped at the post office but there was nothing there. I went down to Sam's with Frank, Flory, Ollie, Nan, and Mort. If you know the rest of their names all right. Clear, warm, and windy. I forgot it rained and hailed in the morning.

Saturday, March 27, 1875: Went down to Mr. Kennedy's in the morning with Nan and staid till after dinner and then in the evening went up to Mr. Watts'. Frank Walker and Sis came at night and we had quite a jollification. They wanted me to go home with them but thought I would stay and get acquainted with Watts' boys, so I flew up to meet about mid-night. I hated to go up there but after I got there I enjoyed myself first rate. Mr. Watts owns two large farms of 160 and 180 acres each. He has them mostly sown down in grass and grazes them. Last year he went to Wisconsin and bought 520 head of hogs that would average about 90 lbs. and brought them home and tried to fatten them but after losing 120 head he sold the remainder and barely saved himself. He is one of the heaviest shippers in this part of the country. Clear and pleasant all day.

Sunday, 28 March, 1875: Went down to Nan's in the morning and hoed the potato patches in my ears, turned my shirt and then went down to Mr. Kennedy's and took dinner. After dinner went to Sabbath school at the "point." It was the funniest school I ever saw nearly. The teachers knew no more about the lessons than the scholars and the scholars knew nothing about it. In the evening went down onthe creek bottom and saw some pretty good jumping. then went up to Mr. Watts' and got our supper. then went to Mr. Kennedy's to an oyster supper then after that went to meeting and heard a Mr. Gossett preach. i think he can sing much better than he can preach. He went to New York 2 years ago to a local preachers and they said that lots of the "upper tens" would come to the meeting on purpose to hear him sing. They called him "That singer from Indiana with the Jeans suit" as he wore his Sunday jeans on. Went to Watts' at night. Clear and warm.

Monday, 29 March, 1875: Went down to the "point" in the morning a few minutes then went up to Nan's and wrote Up my diary and squared up the accounts that I had not had time to write at this date. Went down to the "point" in the evening and got my boot fixed, and myself vaccinated. Came back, and after dark several of the young folks came in and we had quite a jollification. I thought I had no manners but I found I am not by myself, for last night there were some where that I had not met before and they never gave me an introduction at all. I was bored so badly that I could not half enjoy myself. Staid all night with Nan. Cloudy part of the day and clear the rest. Warm. Paid 20 cts. for being vaccinated.

Tuesday, 30 March, 1875: Went up to Uncle John's in the morning then went up to Royalton with Frank. We went in the spring wagon and took a plow to the shop. Staid until now. I believe that Royalton is the worst shit-ass of a place I ever saw. Came back and laid around the rest of the day, intending to start for Ohio tomorrow.

Wednesday, 31 March, 1875: Staid around the house all day drumming on the organ and plagueing the girls. Have got something the matter with my hip that has been bothering me ever since I came out. It has hurt me worse today than common. Put off coming home until tomorrow because Uncle John's want to later some things to market. Cloudy and warm. The Thermometer ran up to 70o. It rained at night then turned cool.

Thursday, 1 April, 1875: Went down to the point in the morning an staid there until about one o'clock then went up to Nan's and put on some clean clothes. She was not at home but I went in anyhow. Came up to Uncle John's in the evening and staid all night. After I go nearly there I saw Ollie and Flory going down after me. Cloudy and rainy in the morning. we were disappointed again in starting home. Cloudy and cool the rest of the day. Paid 8 cts. for grub.

Friday, 2 April, 1875: Went to Indianapolis in the morning and got there just 6 minutes before the train left. Paid $4.70 R.R. Tickets and .45 cts. toll. Got on the train and came to Richmond about 12.20 then went down to Uncle Pets & staid the rest of the day and night. Somewhat cloudy and cool. Paid 10 cts. for Apples.

Saturday, 3 April, 1875: Went up to Richmond in the morning and staid nearly all day. Paid .35 cts. box Collars 20 cts. Box Blacking and 10 cts Grub. Came up to Lizzie Kirks' with Sylvester Reid and took supper there. came home. He brought me up in the spring wagon. After supper I went up to Pleasant Hill to meeting. Was sick all day and told everybody I saw I was taking the small pox. Windy and cool.

Sunday, 4 April, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning and Geo Reid came home with me. He wanted me to go over to Middleboro with him and after studying the matter over concluded to go. Went over and when S. School was out I saw that "calico" flip off right away and thinks I, something is up. So I thought I would stay and see the fun and went to Ike Brooks' and got my supper ; then went to meeting and after meeting she gathered hold of Sam Craig's arm so I thought I would not let her get ahead of me and I went with Ella Baker. Ella told me that someone had written to Mag while I was out yonder and had signed my name telling her that I did not want to go with her and was not going any more. So I did not blame her much after all. Paid 5 cts. Sundries.

Monday, 5 April, 1875: Went with Sylvester Reid to see Jake Flatter, at the township house in Harrison Tp., Darke Co. concerning a man that has a restaurant to sell in Union City. Could not find out much about it. Came home and wrote a letter to Mag and told her about what I thought of the subject and told her she was free to go with whom she pleased. Went down to Paris to the election and staid until the votes were counted. Heard Lurt Reid and Alek Eliason play on the fiddle. Came home about 10.30. Hazy and pleasant. Paid 3 cts. Postage.

Tuesday, 6 April, 1875: Went over to the school house in the morning and then down to Uncle Bill Reid's after a trippl tree. Came up home and Mr. Penoyer was there wanting me to take lessons on the organ. Could not tell anything about it. Wrote a letter to Frank Walker and took it over to Middleboro to the office in the evening. In the evening Wess Reid came over and we talked over business all eve. A sheep drover and his hand staid all night at our house. Clear and mighty hot. Paid 3 cts. Postage.

Wednesday, 7 April, 1875: Started up to Union about 6 o'clock and arrived there about 11 o'clock. I saw some of the worst country and some of the best I ever saw in my life. About Tampico there are two or three miles of country with a little log hut on each farm and to judge from the no, the farms are very small. They are owned by darkies. Some are white and some are black. The country for 6 miles south of Union will make, sometime, the best farming country that there is around, or that I have seen. Went and saw my man but have not room to put it in here. Started home about 3 o'clock and got there after dark. Paid .37 cts. toll and .25 cents livery and .15 cts. toll. Clear and warm.

Thursday, 8 April, 1875: Went in and saw Mike Reid about the school. Had a talk with George about the folks down below. Saw Wess and we concluded not to go into the business at present. It is most too risky was the reason did not go into it. Went over and saw Benson about the school. We concluded to begin on the 12th. He wanted me to plow for him, so I plowed all afternoon. Feel pretty tired as I am not used to it. Clear and hot.

Friday, 9 April, 1875: Plowed for John Benson all day. Was pretty tired at night. Cut Edd Brandenburg's hair at noon. Never cut such a head of hair in my life. Clear and cool.

Saturday, 10 April, 1875: Went down and cut Peck's hair in the morning and then came over to clean up the school house but it had been white washed & it was so dirty that I could not undertake it by myself. Went home and then down to Aunt Harriet's and fixed her loom. After dinner cut Pap's hair and then went over to Middleboro to the horse races. They did not amount to much as there was only one fast horse there. Came home about dark and found Wess Reid and Minnie there. Had lots of fun. Cloudy and cool with a slight shower at night. Paid .5 cts. letter paper and stamp. Received 50 cts. of Wess for toll &c.

Sunday, 11 April, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill to Sunday school. They elected the officers for the next year and elected me Secretary. I never was so surprised nearly, as I was not thinking of being elected although they said they were going to do so. Went over to Mike Reid's and took dinner. Staid until about sundown then went home and then up to Concord. After meeting went up the road but did not stay. Cloudy and cool.

Monday, 12 April, 1875: Commenced my school this morning with 25 pupils. I thought I had the noisiest school up in Darke County that ever was but the school I had today was the worst I ever had in my life. I believe the teacher just let them do as they pleased. They said she let them talk, but from their actions, they talked and everything else they wanted to. Now I will either have a better school, or none at all. Came home in the evening and wrote a letter. Was going over to the school election but it was so bad that I did not go. Cloudy in the forenoon and rainy and snowy in the afternoon.

Tuesday, 13 April, 1875: Taught school. Don't believe I had a much better school than yesterday. Had three new scholars. I expect they will run me out one of these days. Went home and repaired my fiddle by breaking the bass string & making two keys. Cloudy and cool.

Wednesday, 14 April, 1875: Taught school. Had a school about like the one yesterday. Some of the large ones are worse than the smaller ones. Went up to Pleasant Hill to hear Mr. Meyers preach but he was not there so Ed Bourss tried to preach in his place. I did not get to hear his text as there was some jumping being done and I had to see that of course. Came home after meeting. Cloudy & cool.

Thursday, April 15, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school all day. George Reid sent word for me to come over and go with him and go to Ross'. So I went down there and watched around for Wess as he and I were to meet at the school house to practice in the fiddle. Awaited awhile and pretty soon Wess came slipping out at the back door with his fiddle. I scared him and he scare me. He did not know who I was. I was afraid it was someone else. Went up to the school house and practiced until 11.30. Made an appointment for next Tuesday evening. Stormy and cold.

Friday, April 16, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerably good school all day. The wind blew so cold and hard all day that it was hard work to hear the classes recite. The school house is a noisy one anyhow and the least bit of a noise makes the biggest kind of a one. When I build school houses, I am not going to build the ceiling more than 11 feet. If building committees knew how bothersome high ceilings & houses was they would not build them. Snowed an inch or two. An awful bad day.

Saturday, April 17, 1875: Washed my feet and went down to Richmond. Stopped at Middleboro and warmed as I was going down When I got there I ran all over town nearly. to get a cog wheel but did not get one. Went up in town and ran across some folks Went to the Library and another place with them and spent the rest o the day. At night I went down below town an put up for the night. Had a pretty good time. Staid up till 3 or 4 o'clock talking over things. Snowed nearly all day. Paid .20 cts. Sundries.

Sunday, April 18, 1875: Staid down there until after dinner and then came up to Middleboro to Sunday school. Came home from Sunday school and staid until sundown then went up to Darke County. Had a bully time. Snowing in the forenoon and cloudy and cool in the afternoon.

Monday, April 19, 1875: Taught school. Had the best school today that I have had yet. I gave them to understand what they had to do and from their actions I believe they understood first rate. Cut Marcus Reid's hair after school. As I was going past Uncle Bill Reid's house his dog came out and cam the nearest biting me in the world. He scared me nearly to death for a while. Cloudy and cool.

Tuesday, April 20, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. After supper came over to the school house to practice on the violin with Wes Reid We broke the strings and violins so much that we did not get started to playing much before ten o'clock. staid until half after eleven then went home. Cloudy and cold.

Wednesday, April 21, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school.In the afternoon some of them go a little boisterous. Had two new children and I don't believe I had so much trouble with children in my life. Was writing in the evening and George Reid called me down to the field to talk awhile. He wanted to know how I got along Saturday night but I did not give him much satisfaction as I wanted to find out a little more and then I will tell him all. I had to lie to him about some things. I would give a great deal not to know them but I can't help it now I expect lots of persons will ask me about them and I don't know what to do. I hate to tell a lie but I believe if they find out anything it will have to be from someone else. Staid until nearly sundown then came home. Clear and cold.

Thursday, April 22, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school all day. Did no feel very well therefore could not take the interest I should have taken. Went home in the evening and cut Sissie hair. Could not half sleep all night. I got to studying about things and could not get them off my mind long enough to go to sleep. Clear and cold.

Friday, April 23, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school all day. After school made out my Secretary report. George Reid came up to the school house and then we both went over home and I cut his hair. He told me things that had happened that were new to me and I guess I told him things that were a little surprising to him. I told him things that I would tell no other person but I am not afraid of him telling them. Clear and cool with some snow at night. Received a letter from Uncle Al Windsor wanting me to come out to Kokomo and drive a sewing machine wagon.

Saturday,April 24, 1875: Answered Uncle Al's letter telling him that I would come out the lat of June if he wanted me. I don't know whether I will like the business or not but I believe I would prefer it to school teaching. Went down to Aunt Harriet's in the morning and helped her beam a piece of carpet. Went from there to Paris and staid until about three o'clock. Saw Lurt Reid and he said he was coming up Saturday night. and bring his fiddle. Came up home and then went over to Middleboror and saw Lige Cox about getting Mr. Robinson and some nun to come over Saturday night. He said they would come. Paid .15 cts. Sundries. Cloudy and cold.

Sunday, April 25, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning with a couple of young ladies from below New Paris. Had to read my report and it scared me nearly to death. I would take a deep breath and then read as long as it lasted and then I would have to stop until I could take another. Came home and after dinner went with a lot of boys to Middleboro to the Sunday School Anniversary. The house was crowded so badly that I did not remain in the house After it broke up went to Boon Barton's and spent the evening. Staid until 2 o'clock. Leaned things that I had guessed at before. Clear and warm.

Monday, April 26, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium good school all day. There were 33 in attendance. Had the sore eyes so badly that I could not see very well. Went home and Jimmy drawed me the slickest. He said Uncle Bill wanted to come down and when I asked him what for, he said to cut the wrinkles out of a cats ho-ho. Cloudy with a few drops of rain.

Tuesday, April 27, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable bad school all day: kept one spelling class in after school. Went home and got my supper then came back to the school house and practiced on the fiddle until about 11 o'clock. Cloudy and pleasant. Bought a bass string and key from Wess. had 34 in attendance.

Wednesday, April 28, 1875: Taught school. Had the fullest school that I have had yet. I had 35 pupils in attendance and I believe about the roughest set in the business. Lurt Reid came past the school house and wanted me to go to Mike's after school and play Croquet. Went down and got there just in time for my supper. After supper had quite an interesting game. Staid until 10 o'clock. Had a first rate time. Mike was wanting to know whether I would teach the fall and winter school or not. Told him I did not think I would teach but if I did and if they would give me enough I would teach it. Clear and pleasant.

Thursday, April 29, 1875: Taught school. Had the best school I have had yet. There was 33 in attendance. Went over home and Charley told me if I would wash his harness I might go a buggy riding in his buggy some day. so I went to work and washed them good and now all I lack is someone to ride with. Awful windy day. Received $1.50 of John Benson for 1 1/2 days plowing.

Friday, April 30, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. In the afternoon I had a Spelling and Arithmetic match. In the evening I blacked up and went over with Jim Hahn and got his fiddle and then went over with the crowd and serenaded Theodore Burg. Had a bully good time and he treated us like white folks if we were black. There were some fellows that tried to take Jim's fiddle from him and pick a fuss with us but they could not do it sp they went to work and tore down as much as his fence as they pleased &c. Came home about 1 o'clock and washed and went to bed. Clear and pleasant.

Saturday, May 1, 1875: Went down to New Paris in the morning and bought a bucket for .40 cts, 3 lbs. sugar 37 and two Lamp Chimneys 20. Came home about noon and then went over to Middleboro to help move Granny Bond's house. Staid until about 6 o'clock then came home. After dark Lurt Reid, Lige Cox and some more came over and we had quite a jollification. There were 6 Ladies and about 16 or 17 Gents. There would have been more but it was so bad that they did not come. They had three violins and they kept them hot until 1 o'clock. Rainy and bad all day.

Sunday, May 2, 1875: Staid at home until about 10 o'clock then wanted Lurt to go up o Pleasant Hill but he would not so I went by myself. Staid until meeting time then George Porterfield came home with me. After we came home Lurt wanted to go over to Joe Hahns so we went over there. After dinner Nate Hahn and I started over to Middleboro but we met Joe Slife going to Pleasant Hill, so we went up there to singing. After singing John Reid and I came by our house after my over coat and then went to Uncle Pats to see their new organ then went town to Middleboro to meeting. After meeting was going to go home with my girl but some fellow stepped up and wanted to go but she gave him the mitten and as it was my turn neat thought I would get the other one but did not. Went down and staid until 2. Cloudy and cold with snow.

Monday, May 3, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. I believe I am going to have as good a school as I have ever had in my life. Went over home and sawed on the fiddle awhile and as I was so sleepy i went to bed I promised to go to Uncle Pats either tonight or Tuesday and I forget which. Cloudy with some rain at night.

Tuesday, May 4, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school. There were 31 in attendance. In the evening brought my fiddle over to the school house but did not feel like it so we got to talking and talked until nearly 1 o'clock. We concluded to invite Jim Hahn and Nate to come over next Tuesday evening. Cloudy and cool. Paid .50 cts. to Wess for string &c.

Wednesday, May 5, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school all day. There were 29 and 30 in attendance. Went home and went to bed before it was dark. Cloudy and rainy.

Thursday, May 6, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school all day. Went home and then took a letter down to Wess Barton. Staid until about 9 o'clock then came home.

Friday, May 7, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. In the evening went over to Uncle Pats and staid until about 12 o'clock then came home. Had lots of fun.

Saturday, May 8, 1875: Went to New Paris in the morning and staid until about 1 o'clock then came home. Was going to help plant corn but it was late and I felt so tired that I did not. Did up some writing in the evening. In the morning went down with Maheus[?] to cut logs but he had hired to John Benson. Awful hot. Paid 4 cts. Sundries.Had a big rain at night.

Sunday, May 9, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning. Owing to the bad morning there was only a few there. Joe Slife came home with me and after dinner went over to Middleboro. After Sunday school went a swimming and took supper and spent the evening. Had quite a huge old time. Made the fishes believe I was not coming back again. Joked them a little and then told them better. Cloudy and damp with a big rain in the evening and night.

Monday, May 10, 1875: Taught school. Had a pretty good school all day. Last night Charley and one of the boys thought they would have a joke on me by taking the slats off the bed and locking the bed room door. I pulled the bed off and put i on the floor and slept tolerable well. I have been neglecting to write up this weeks diary so I have forgotten most that happened. Cloudy and cool.

Tuesday, May 11, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school. In the evening came over to the school house to practis on the violin. It was a very bad stormy night and Wess proposed that we stay all night in the school house. So we took three seats and put them together for a bed, then took the Carpet for Strawtick, Featherbed, sheet, and some books, the broom and all the towels we could find for pillows. Had a pretty hard bed but slept first rate. Cloudy and stormy all day.

Wednesday, May 12, 1875: Taught school. had a good school all day. Wrote a letter to Sherman Bros. Oberlin, O. after school. Went home and then down to Aunt Harriet's to help beam a piece of Carpet. Penoyer came home with me and staid all night. He sang two or three nice songs and played some on the organ. I don't think he is much on the violin. Cloudy and cool.

Thursday, May 13, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. In the evening wrote a letter to Flory Walker.

Friday, May 14, 1875: Taught school. There was not so many there as common and I could not get up any interest at all. In the afternoon had Arithmetic and spelling matches. Some of them are pretty good in figures but not much at spelling. Clear and cool.

Saturday, May 15, 1875: Planted corn until about 3 o'clock then took my boot down to New Paris to get it fixed. Paid 10c sundries. Came up home with Charley in his buggie. Loaned him $5.00 also loaned Geo. L. Burtch & Co. $38.90 for 90 days. Clear and cool with a little frost at night.

Sunday, May 16, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning to Sunday school. Had a big school. Wanted Mr. Tyler to throw out a "feeler" in regard to getting a register. He did so but I believe it did not take very well. Went home and after dinner went back to singing. After singing went down to Middleboro with some of the boys. Saw Lige Cox and made arrangements to go over to Uncle Pats' next Wednesday night. After meeting took my Calico home. Was a little afraid to start for she came with another fellow and it was not my night. I made the bright and it was all night. The other fellow wanted to go but she would not let him. Went in and rested a while than came home about 1 o'clock. Clear and cool.

Monday, May 17, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school. Did not feel very well was the reason I guess. During school days there does not enough happen to fill a page so there are and will be several pages not filled. Clear and cold.

Tuesday, May 18, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school. Swept the school house and then went home. After supper went over to the school house with Marcus Reid to hear a man lecture on horses and Cattle. He seemed to know something about both. staid until about 11 o'clock then went home. Clear and cool.

Wednesday, May 19, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school but a not very large one. In the evening went over to Uncle Pats' with George Reid but Lige and the rest did not come so we cut up awhile and then came home. Geo staid all night. Clear and pleasant.

Thursday, May 20, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. The pupils generally had good lessons. Went over home and gassed to Pennoyer until dark then went up to John Bartons with Wess. Had an argument with Mrs Barton on card plating and its consequences. Got to bed about 11 o'clock. It seems as if I can't get to bed any more before 11 or 12 o'clock, and I can't be contented without running around somewhere. Clear and hot.

Friday, May 21, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school. Ross Reid was over in the morning awhile. In the evening made out my weekly report and swept the School house. Cloudy and rainy. Paid Uncle Bill Reid 50c for repairing boot some time since.

Saturday, May 22, 1875: Walked down to New Paris in the morning. Got the catalogue of the "Michigan State University." Have been thinking of going there but I could not stand the Examination required. They examine in Grammar, Geo., Latin, Greek, Algebra, and Geometry.Came up home about 11 o'clock and after dinner went down to Richmond. Stopped at Middleboro and saw Lige Cox. He said he was coming over some night. Jane Reid would not let him come last Wednesday night. Staid in Richmond until about sundown then went down to Uncle Pet Windsor's. Saw more people in town than I have for a long time. Paid 50c Strings & key .20 Sundries. Cloudy with some rain.

Sunday, May 23, 1875: Staid until after dinner at Uncle Pet's. He paid me $5.00 that I loaned him when I went to Indianapolis. He wanted me to come down and teach their school this winter. Came up to Middleboro but it was too late for Sunday school so I staid there until about sundown then I went down below and took supper. After supper went up to meeting and staid until about 1 o'clock. Had a tolerable good time but not a very good time either. It seems to me like she does not enjoy my company for she is sour and dry as an old ship. Rainy all forenoon and part cloudy and part clear in the afternoon.

Monday, May 24, 1875: Taught school. had a tolerable good school. The attendance is not as large as it should be. I do not know why they do not come more regularly. I expect they do not like me, but I can not help it, for I was born so. Went over to Joe Hahn's in the evening after some eggs. Coming home came across Wess Barton and chatted him awhile. There was a heavy rain in the morning partly cloudy in the afternoon.

Tuesday, May 25, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school all day. They were hauling gravel by the School house and it was hard work to keep them from looking out all the time. Went over home and planed some pop corn in the evening. At night came over to the school house to practice on the violin. Wess and Nate and Jim Hahn was there and we had a lively old time until it was time to go home. I hade made up my mind not to ask them if they did not come this time, again. Clear and hot.

Wednesday, May 26, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium good school. Clear and warm. Split wood in the evening. Received a letter from Buck Watt Traderspoint and stating that Uncle John Walker's house had burned with part of the contents. It was a large two story frame house and as good as new.

Thursday, May 27, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school all day. Wrote a letter or two and took them over to Middleboro in the evening. Had a big chat with Marcus about his girl &c. Clear and hot.

Friday, May 28, 1875: Taught school. Had an awful slim school all day. Had four visitors The Misses Boswell Geo Reid and Mrs Penland. The folks wanted to go over to Boon Barton's Sunday so after considering the matter we concluded to go. Went up home and spent the rest of the day. Clear and warm.

Saturday, May 29, 1875: Went down to Richmond in the morning. Bought a Coat an vest for $6.50. They asked $11 or $12 for them. Had the biggest friss[?] with a Jew I have had for a long time. He was mad because I did not buy of him. Came home by way of Uncle Bill Frists'. Stopped and talked until about dark the walked up home. Saw some of the folks at town but did not stop to talk much. Paid 50c Neck Tie and 3c Sundries. Clear and warm.

Sunday, May 30, 1875: Shaved and washed my feet then went up to Pleasant Hill to Sunday School. Had to read my report and it scared me worse than ever. After meeting went over to Boon Barton's and took dinner. Had the best time I have had for a long time. Staid until about sundown then us two and no more went down to Middleboro to church. After meeting went down home with the folks. Was not going in but they insisted so strongly that I did and I never acted the rascal more in my life. i would not blame her if she would flounce me. She came nearly doing so as it was. I accused her of things that I was satisfied she was not guilty of but did so to see what she would say and do. I believe she is an honest good girl and people that tell such yarns on her tells that which is not so. There is lots of folks that thinks that if a girl is lively and tries to enjoy herself she is not the right kind of a girl. Then they throw out some hiest to that effect which is the first step taken to ruin an innocent girl. Clear and warm. Came home about 1 o'clock. Left about half mad.

Monday, May 31, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school all day. If the pupils will only come from this time on I think they will improve considerable, but if they stay at home as they have been doing I can't tell whether the school will prove successful or not. Went home in the evening and put up for the night. Clear and warm.

Tuesday, June 1, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium good school. It might have been better if there had been more present. Cut George Reid's hair at noon. After school went down to Mike's and after supper cut Wess' hair. Was going back to the school house but one of the heaviest Thunder storms that I have seen for a long time. Had some music in the evening the went to bed. Cloudy and pleasant in the day but I guess it rained considerable through the night.

Wednesday, June 2, 1875: Taught school. School was rather slim on account of its being a ---t bad day. There were only 18 or 20 in attendance. What there was had very good lessons. Went home on the fiddle the rest of the evening. Learned one new piece. Rainy with a storm in the evening.

Thursday, June 3, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium good school. They don't come regular enough to make the school interesting. There are about the same number coming each day or so. Went home in the evening and had a chat with Marcus Reid. Clear and warm.

Friday, June 4, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school. Went down to Mike Reid's at noon. Had a chat with him about the school. He seems very ambitious for me to take the winter school. I don't believe I will teach. I don't believe I can teach as well as I should and I don't believe it would be right to waste the money on a fellow such as I. Clear and warm with rain at night.

Saturday, June 5, 1875: Went down to New Paris in the morning and stayed until about 1 o'clock. Waited on the mail but go nothing. Came up home and dressed to go up to Flatters'. Matty Sullivan was at out house and had quite a chat with her. Started up there and when nearly there met Jona Brown and Geo. Thurston, Jona Wanted me to take the school up there again this winter. When I went up to Perry's he wanted to know what I would teach for and I told him I did not care about teaching and would not teach for less than $2.50 a day. He made me an offer of $2.25 for the Six months term. As Jakey and I had not been together for a good while it took about half the night to talk things all over. He seems as lively and jovial as ever. I felt just like I had got back home when I got back there. Rainy in the forenoon and part cloudy in the after. Paid 10c grub.

Sunday, June 6, 1875: Staid at Flatter's until about 3 o'clock. Had lots of fun. Played the game of Society nearly all day. It is about as interesting a game as I ever saw. Jakey came as far down with me as Friendship. Said maybe he would come down next Sunday. Walked down home right through the rain. Uncle Will Windsor's came to our house and staid all night. Wess Barton came along and said he was going down to take supper with Beverley Shephered as he was married this evening and wanted me to go along. so I combed my pate and as it was about 1/2 mile concluded I would ride. When I got to the road gate saw two or three there so I thought I would go on. Came across John Reid's and talked to him awhile and when I stopped it was about 9 o'clock & the folks all in bed, but they heard the dog bark and got dresses and the lamp lighted as I got to the door. Went in and had a notion to go back home when I found it out, but they said they waited until it was 9 o'clock and as it was so rainy they thought I was not coming. She was very pentinent over her other night's work and was as hirly[?] as you please. I tried my best to make her mad but could not. Came home about morning. Rainy all day.

Monday, June 7, 1875: Taught school. Had a bully school all day. Went home in the evening and then down to Aunt Harriet's to help beam a piece of carpet. Will Reid came to the house and then we went up home together. We played on the fiddle until about 9 o'clock. He playes pretty well and I believe if he would practice would make a good fiddler. Clear and so cool that I had to have a fire all day. Cut Charley Coblentz's hair.

Tuesday, June 8, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium good school all day. Got a little vexed in the evening at some of them. Came by Uncle Bill's going home and he wanted me to cut his hair, but as Will Reid was at our house did not. Went up home and put up for the night. Clear and pleasant.

Wednesday, June 9, 1875: Taught school. Had the best school today I have had for a good while. Went down to Mike's at noon to see what he thought about my teaching until noon tomorrow and then quitting to go down to the picnic at the springs. He thought there would be no objections so gave out word accordingly in the evening. Went home in the evening and ch--- around until dark. Clear and warm. Cut Emma Harris' hair.

Thursday, June 10, 1875: Taught school until noon. There were only 12 there. Came home and after noon walked to Paris and from there to the picnic. It was not much of a picnic at last. there was not much going on until noon. They had two dancing floors, one, I was told, was about 90 feet long, and the other about 45. The best thing there was the music. They had two live bands. The Churchill Band of Eaton and Prof. Barnes of Richmond. Banes is one of the best players in this part of the country. He plays all his music by note. The picnic broke up about 6 o'clock. Rode down to town with George Reid and from there up home with Pap. Clear and hot. Paid 3 cts. Postage.

Friday, June 11, 1875: Taught school. Had a pretty good school all day. There was not quite so many in attendance. There were 24 I believe. As the school was to be out at Middleboro next Friday I concluded to teach tomorrow and go out ward accordingly. Came home and after supper went to Middleboro to see whether school was really out then or not. They said it was not but was in two weeks from today so that knocked my arrangements in the head. Came home and as I came along heartily repented of it. Hot as blazes.

Saturday, June 12, 1875: Went to the school house and put up a note on the door that there would be no school then went down to Mike Reid's and Ross' and told them to stop all they saw coming and tell them there was no school. Also sent word up to Baker's. Came home and white washed the two front rooms over head. After noon went with pap down to Paris, bought four Shirt fronts for $1.75 but did not pay for them. When I came home there were only three so I will have the other yet. Looked for Lige Cox eve but he did not come. Cool in the morning and hot in the evening.

Sunday, June 13, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning to S.S. The had a big crowd. Staid until meeting was out then came home. Ada Boswell and Mattie Sullivan were there so I staid at home all afternoon. About 5 o'clock they went away so I went down to Uncle Pat's and spent the evening. About dark Joe came home and said there was meeting at night at Middleboro so we went down. After meeting broke came home. This is the first Sunday night I have come away from there and went straight home. Clear and warm and a little, too.

Monday, June 14, 1875: Taught school. Had the fullest and noisiest school today I have had for some time. There were 34 in attendance. Went home in the evening and chend around until dark. Clear and pleasant. Rained at night.

Tuesday, June 15, 1875: Taught school. Had a pretty good school all day though not so large as yesterday. Came past Uncle Bill's in the evening and cut Marcus' hair. Went up home and helped paper some of a room. At night came over to the school house and played some. Somehow I did not feel like playing much. Cloudy and damp.

Wednesday, June 16, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school. Went home in the evening and whitewashed the pantry. At night went on horseback to the creek with a lot of the boys. Cut Charley's hair in the morning. Clear and cool.

Thursday, June 17, 1875: Taught school. Had a tolerable good school. Ross Reid came over and gave me my certificate for the time I have taught. Went home and staid the rest of the day. Clear and warm.

Friday, June 18, 1875: Taught school. As it was the last day of school, the pupils were all in nearly. Had medium lessons. There were several visitors and in the evening went down in the woods and played. Went down and took supper with Mike Reid. Went home by Bensons and got him to sign the Certificate. Made out my Report at night. School averaged 27.6. Cloudy and pleasant.

Saturday, June 19, 1875: Went to Paris in the morning to get my money but could not so went over to Richmond Paid $1.05 Tickets 30c haircut 40 R.R. Ticket W.H. Kirk 50, Geo S Burtch $1.75. Means & Johnson $2.27. Came back in the evening and drew $75.00. Was talking with John P. Ireland about learning telegraphy. Am going down some day next week to see him. Came up home and went over to Joe Hahns with Lurt Reid and staid until bed time. Clear and warm.

Sunday, June 20, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning to Sunday school. After Sunday school went up to John P--les and staid the rest of the day. At night went to Church and coming home had a kind of fainting spell which scared Mag so badly that it made her sick as she could be. Did not stay very long as she could hardly sit up. Came home about 12 o'clock. Paid 30c Song Book.

Monday, June 21, 1875: Went over to the school house and got my books & the went over to Middleboro and got a new bolt for pap. Came home and after noon went down to Paris. Went down and saw Ireland. he had not herd from the train dispatcher and would give no definite answer. He said he would charge nothing for Learning me and I could board at home during the summer. Paid 15c Sundries. Cloudy and warm with rain at night.

Tuesday, June 22, 1875: Went over to Ross Reid's in the morning and took the Register and key. Came back by Mike's and got some wall paper. After noon went over to Middleboro intending going to Richmond on the lime wagons but they did not go so staid there till evening then came home. Clear and hot.

Wednesday, June 23, 1875: Walked down to Middleboro and then to Richmond. Bumed around there all day. Paid $3.50 pair pants and .46c Sundries. Mr. Gaar the original founder of Spring foundry was buried today. I believe it was the largest funeral procession I ever saw. The procession was fully a mile long, one fourth of which were footmen. I went down and thought I would get some beer and it would make me feel better. They would not let me have it until I signed a written statement certifying that I was 21 years of age. And I like a fool did it. Got on the train and went down to Uncle Will's. Clear and hot as any day of the season.

Thursday, June 24, 1875: Staid at Uncle Will's till after dinner and then started home. Undertook to cut through and passed through some of the worst thickets I ever was in. Came by Billy Reid's and chatted with the boys awhile. Came by "Cedar Springs" then Paris then home. Blistered my toes walking. Cloudy and hot.

Friday, June 25, 1875: Went to Middleboro to a picnic held by the School in that place. I was a very pleasant place to be especially about noon. The exercises were mostly over when I got there but there were enough to show that the rest were good. In the after noon they played Croquet, tap, &c. until about 4 o'clock when a rain came up then it broke. Flirted like thunder with Lizzie White. Came by Uncle Pats and staid until the rain was over.

Saturday, June 26, 1875: Went down to New Paris to the Picnic at the springs, but it was a total failure. There was not even a seat to sit on. I saw lots of folks that I knew. Had a chat with Anson Brown and he asked if I cared if he took Mag to a dance on next Saturday. I told him she could do as she pleased as I was not her boss. Came home and went over to the creek with Absy Barton. Came back to Uncle Bill's for Marcus to go with me to Mike Reid's but he had gone somewhere so went over by myself. Had ice-cream and a nice time. Cloudy and rainy in the afternoon and night. Paid 10 cents Soda water.

Sunday, June 27, 1875: Came home from Mike's and then went up to Sunday School. Mr. and Mrs. Flatter came down for dinner. After noon went up to singing at Pleasant Hill. Went up above in the evening then got in the buggy and went down below to Middleboro to church and then back over. Had the greatest time yet. It rained until 2 o'clock then jumped in the buggy and got home about daylight. Cloudy and rainy all day. Paid 5 cts. Sundries.

Monday, June 28th, 1875: Staid around home till afternoon then went down to Paris. Got my measure taken for a pair of fine boots. Paid $1.00 for Medicine, 15c stamp, 40c Paper and Envelopes. Saw John P. Ireland and concluded not to learn telegraphy. Don't know what to do. Wrote a letter to Thos. A. Pollock asking what books I should read on teaching. Cloudy and rainy.

Tuesday, June 29th, 1875: Staid at home in the morning and wrote 4 letters. one to Dick Beall, one to J.H. Foos; one to Buck Watts and one to Mag. Husked some corn after dinner then took the letters over to Middleboro. Came by Uncle Pat's and staid all night. Had the biggest argument on the Scripture that I have had for a long time. Cloudy and rainy all day. Paid 10c Sundries.

Wednesday, June 30, 1875: [Crossed Out]

Thursday, July 1, 1875: Plowed corn all day. Was awful tired at night. Cloudy and warm. Went up to singing at Pleasant Hill at night.

Friday, July 2, 1875: Plowed corn till noon. After noon went down to Paris and got my fine boots and a letter from T.A. Pollock and one from J.A. Foos. Paid 8.00 for Books.

Saturday, July 3, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning and staid awhile then went over to Middleboro to the picnic. There were 4 schools there but there was not seats enough to accommodate the crowd. There came up a rain after dinner & broke up the picnic. Came home in hurry to get the buggy and go to Paris but Charley had gone so I was down on horse back. Staid while and danced twice and then came home and went up to an ice cream supper at Tom Baker's but it was nothing but a drunken rabby. Went up to Tom's house and it rained so ba that I did not get to come home until 2 o'clock. Paid 45c Sundries. Cloudy, rainy, and hot.

Sunday, July 4, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning to S School. Came back home intending to go to the springs but Uncle Pets' came and did not go until afternoon then Marcus Reid and I went down and staid awhile. There were two Excursions rom Richmond one in the morning and one in the evening. Came home and Charley and Joe Slife wanted us to go with them up to Concord so we started but they switched off toward Joe Baker's so we thought we would have a little fun and follow them as the played off on us. Went with them till we got to the lane when Joe backed out but Charley got mad and went ahead as hard as he could walk leaving Joe with us. Clear and rained hard 5 or 6 times. Paid 6c Sundries.

Monday, July 5, 1875: Went down to Middleboro in the morning and from there to Richmond with Theodore Burg. Staid down there till evening then came up home as far as Middleboro with Dave Gray. Came by Uncle Pat's and stopped in there awhile and got acquainted with some gals from Peru, Ind. They were the easiest to get acquainted with of any girls I ever saw. Charley Jones and they came a piece with me as far as the state line. The least one is a regular little Coquet. Am going to have some fun with her before she goes home or bust a gut. Paid $1.25 How to teach 40c Sundries Cloudy but hot.

Tuesday, July 6, 1875: Hoed corn awhile in the morning but they came along surveying the ditch and I had to go along and hold their stakes the rest of the day. Cloudy and warm with rain in the evening.

Wednesday, July 7, 1875: Went down and gave in my bid to John Benson in the morning. Came home and staid there till afternoon then went down to Paris. Staid until evening then came up home with my folks in the carriage. Went over to Middleboro in the evening to get my boots ironed. Staid for meeting and heard yet of the best sermon that was ever preached in that house. After meeting went home with that little Monteith [Morsteith?] gal. Never saw such a gal in my life. She is as pretty as a bird and as hard as ---.Came home about one o'clock. Paid 6c Postage Stamps. Clear and hot.

Thursday, July 8, 1875: Laid around home till noon and then planted corn the rest of the day. Clear and hot.

Friday, July 9, 1875: Plowed corn till Supper time but my toe hurt me so badly that I had to quit. Went over to the creek in the evening and as I came home stopped in at John Benson's to tell him I would teach no cheaper as Ed Bowers put in a bid @ $2.00 for the fall term and $2.25 for the winter term. He underbid me so much that I expect he will get the school though they sid they would give me $2.25 for the Six Months term. Cloudy and hot.

Saturday, July 10, 1875: Helped clean Timothy seed in the forenoon. Then went to town after dinner. Saw Billy Garretson after I got there and he invited me down to a party at his house at night so I came home and went over to Middleboro after my boots. Uncle Pat's folks wanted me to stop there but I thought their visitors a little too thin. Came home and went over to Billy's. They had a regular social dance and as nice a one as I ever was at. They danced till 12 o'clock then we all went home. Paid 10c getting boots ironed. Rained in the forenoon. Clear and hot the rest of the day.

Sunday, July 11, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning. Geo. Reid wanted me to go up to John Pile's with him and Addie but could not go until afternoon as I had no way. Afternoon went down and got Al Garretson's buggy and went up. Took a buggy ride as far as the Arba Pike then came back to John's. Had a huge old time. Staid at night until about 12 o'clock then came home. Clear and fair and hot.

Monday, 12 July, 1875: Bound wheat all day. Thought I would feel bad and sleepy but did not. Partly clear with slight shower in the evening.

Tuesday, 13 July, 1875: Bound wheat until about 4 o'clock when a shower came up and we had to quit. Staid at the mill awhile then came home. Cloudy with rain as above.

Wednesday, 14 July, 1875: Staid at home in the forenoon as it was damp and foggy. After dinner went over and finished about 3 o'clock. Came home and after supper us boys got on the horses and went over to the Creek. Came home by way of Middleboro. When we got home our little Morteith gal was there and we had quite a jollification until about 1 o'clock. They staid all night but Uncle Pat's folks went home. Cloudy nearly all day.

Thursday, 15 July, 1875: Staid at home till afternoon. It rained about 2 hours awful hard. Went to town and staid until Sundown then came up to Richie's school house to meet the director. I had such a sore mouth and it hurt me so badly that I gave my certificate to Richie's field hand and left a bid @ $2.25 and came home. Clear in the morning with rain at night.

Friday, 16 July, 1875: Staid at home in the forenoon. Went over to Middleboro in the evening and layed around there and pitched horse shoes. Came up as far as the state line with Jas Frist then came home. Fair and warm with rain at night. Paid 5c for Grub.

Saturday, July 17, 1875: Staid home until after dinner then went down to Paris. Staid there till evening. Saw Ben Daily and he told me they had hired me to teach their school but he said they wanted to give me $2.00 for the fall term and $2.50 for the winter term. I told him I would study about it.Came up home and started up to Pleasant Hill to meeting but there was none as it looked like rain. Paid 10c Sundries. Clear & hot with rain at night.

Sunday, July 18, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill to meeting in the morning. Mike Hahn came home with me for dinner. Went up to meeting in the evening and staid with the rest of the boys until meeting at night. After meeting came home and let Jas use my revolver. Cloudy and rainy.

Monday, July 19, 1875: Started to Richmond with Jake Dayton and went as far as Geo Anderson's when we got in & rode the rest of the way with Jim Robinson's. Show was in town and there was several people there. Saw Mag there but she was so snappish I did not pay much attention to her. Bummed around with Flatters' boys. Went in the show with them. It was about as good a show as I ever saw. There was the best clown I ever saw. After the show was going down to Uncle Pet's but I met Jessie Addleman & he said I could ride up with them if I would stay for night. Feeling so tired I concluded to stay. Went in at night then came home. Paid $1.70 Sundries. Cloudy & pleasant.

Tuesday, July 20, 1875: Staid home in the forenoon awhile then went over to Mike Reid's and got some white Lead for my mouth. Staid until after dinner then cam home and went over to Middleboro. Staid the rest of the day. Rained all forenoon. Fair the rest of the day.

Wednesday, July 21, 1875: Split wood awhile in the morning. After dinner Lew Little from Indianapolis came and staid until 4 or 5 o'clock. He is very concerty but has not got the big head like most fellows that have an equal amount of education. He is engaged in "Indiana Farmer" as Register Clerk. Went with him to Aunt Harriet's as he wanted to borrow some money of her but she was not at home. Went down to New Paris and then to the Springs. Came home about dark. Paid 29c S. This is the first clear day for 10 days.

Thursday, July 22, 1875: Staid at home in the forenoon as it rained nearly all the time. Dave Grey was at our house. After dinner awhile went over to Middleboro intending to organize our club but it rained so that th girls would not come so we put it off until tomorrow night. Rained all forenoon. Fair after.

Friday, July 23, 1875: Staid at home in the forenoon. Went over to Robert Penland's after dinner and helped haul hay. Came home about Sundown and went over to Middleboro but some of the boys had to go away so we put it off again. Fair and pleasant. Paid Bill Alexander $2.00 for fiddle.

Saturday, July 24, 1875: Went over to Robt. Penland's and helped haul hay until about 3 o'clock then came home and hauld 3 loads for ourselves. Was about played out when night came. Mike Reid's folks came over at night and spent the evening. I don't believe we asked them back as we were all talking and I never thought of it until they were out of hearing. Cloudy and pleasant.

Sunday, July 25, 1875: Am 20 years old today. It seems so funny that 1/3 of my life is spent in so short a time. Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning then came home and got caught in the rain as I was coming. Staid until after dinner and then got Uncle Bill's saddle & went up above. Was afraid to go nearly but after I got there I enjoyed myself tolerably well. It just poured down after I got there until about 9 o'clock. Rained hard about noon. Said until about 2 o'clock then came home.

Monday, July 26, 1875: Got up about 9 o'clock and ate my breakfast. Then went above the ditch to find our portion. Was at Mike Reid's a few minutes. Went over to the 'boro in the evening to take a book home of Lige Cox's. Stopped in at Uncle Pat's as it was raining. After it quit came home. Rained two or three times.

Tuesday, July 27, 1875: Lounged around in the forenoon. After dinner Mother and I went down to the Springs. Charley Ferris gave me a letter to take to Hillsboro. Came home before sundown and cut up with Sallie Burket until about 11 o'clock then went to bed. Cloudy all day and at night the hardest rain I ever saw.

Wednesday, July 28, 1875: Got ready and went to Hillsboro but had to go by way of Middleboro as the creek was so high. Staid all day and liked the school very much. Rained nearly all day and could not come home so we staid all night at Hen[?] Reid's. Paid 35c Handkerchief and 15c Sundries.

Thursday, July 29, 1875: In the morning before school went down to the creek with Dave Grey. Borrowed corn of Matt Gish for 2 or so feedings. After school came down to Mike's and took supper then came home. Fair and Pleasant.

Friday, July 30, 1875: Took Sallie Burkett up to Eleck Hahn's and then on to school. We have a pretty lively school. I think we can learn too if we only study. There are 18 pupils coming and nearly all of them are good scholars. Estella Reid and I go up in Charleys buggy she furnishing the dinner and I the buggy. Took Estella home and then came home myself. Had the blues or something else anyhow. I did not feel very lively or well. Rained in the afternoon and night.

Saturday, July 31, 1875: Staid at home in the forenoon. It rained nearly all the time. Went down to Paris, in the evening with Nate Hahn. Staid awhile then came home with Mike Reid. Not much rain in the evening or night.

Sunday, August 1, 1875: Staid at home until about 11 o'clock then went down to Uncle Bill's and wrote two letters for Peck. Staid until 5 o'clock then came home. It rained the whole day nearly and part of the night. Wheat, oats, and hay are nearly all ruined. Farmers all have the blues for they have nearly nothing for their stock and most of them for themselves but corn and if it keeps on raining some will suffer for corn.

Monday, August 2, 1875: As it was drizzling went to see if Estella was going up to school or not. She was first starting and going to stay all the week so I came home and got a horse and went up to Middleboro. Made arrangements to go up to Alexander Hahn's next Wednesday night. Came home and then went to New Paris for some medicine for the babies. Came back after dark. Paid 11c Sundries. It rained a very little bit all day.

Tuesday, August 3, 1875: Went up to school. I learned as much if not more today than any day yet. I could never understand the infinitive until pretty well. I think I understand them now. Said at Bill Robertson's to hear Aleck play the violin. Came home before sundown and met Mike Reid and he gave me $3.00 for Estella. Will Reid came over to our house and staid all night. It drizzled some in the morning but the sun sat clear for the 1st time in 10 days.

Wednesday, August 4, 1875: Went to school. Had a good school all day. I had the head ache awful bad all day. Wet to Aleck Hahn's as per arrangements and had a nice time. They are very friendly folks and I felt especially at home. Saw Ed Bowers there and he wanted to back out teaching down in our district. He said they misrepresented the wages the others asked and I told him if that was the case I would quit too. The first clear day for a long time. It sprinkled a little at night.

Thursday, August 5, 1875: Went over to school. In the evening stopped in at Barney Barton's to hear them play a few minutes. Came on and took Sallie Burkert to Mike's and came home. Our folks are going to thresh tomorrow and mother and both babies were sick so I had to go to hunt a girl. I went to Joe Hahn's and John Benson's but did not get one. While at John's I cut Geo Reid's hair. Then I came on home. Fair weather and night. Paid $3.00 for Tuition. C.S. Atkinson teacher.

Friday, August 6, 1875: Helped thresh all day. Mr. Peck and I kept 5 teams going nearly all the time. We threshed 185 bushels. Fair all day with a slight sprinkle at night.

Saturday, August 7, 1875: Finished threshing about 1 o'clock then went down to Birely's mill and helped elevate and measure all of the wheat. There was about 125 bushels to the share. Came home and then went up to Pleasant Hill to meeting at night. Sallie came home with us & we had a high old time. Clear and hot all day.

Sunday, August 8, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning. Came home after meeting got my dinner then went over to Middleboro to Sunday school. After school went up the creek a piece and put up for the evening. Was told that George Reid was going to get married next Saturday. Could not believe it hardly as I was with George the other day and he never mentioned it at all. Chatted on other subjects awhile then came home about 2 o'clock. It rained at our house but not up there. Paid 6 cts. toll.

Monday, August 9, 1875: Went over after Estella in the morning and we had hardly got started before she told me all about the wedding and invited me over. He is to be married at three o'clock Saturday evening at Ben Barton's. Marcus Reid, Edward Brandenburg, Abner Hahn, Mike Hahn, Rosa Kirkpatrick, Laura and Lizzie Judy, Ella Baker, Angie and Delia Hahn are the invited ones with Estella, Sylvester, and Sallie Barker and myself and Mag. Now I am going to see who is gets married first of those invited. Went on to school. It was dry all day. Came home by Aleck Hahn's, Aleck Baker's and Mike's. Clear and warm.

Tuesday, August 10, 1875: Went to school. It was the last day but there were none there scarcely. The school was very good and all that tried to learn were well pleased with school. Brought Ella Baker and Alice Penland down to Tom Baker's where I met Jennie and Alice got in with her. Clear & pleasant. Stopped in at John Pile's as I went up to see if Mag would go to the wedding. I got her to go by hard work.

Wednesday, August 11, 1875: Went down to Paris to see about getting up a grammar school for Atkinson but they seem to take no interest in such things and I expect it will be hard work. Got on the train and went over to Richmond. Paid 20c Hair cut 20c R.R. Ticket Staid until evening then went down to Uncle Pet's with him in his buggy. Fair with a slight shower in the evening. Paid 13c Grub.

Thursday, August 12, 1875: Staid at Uncle Pet's all day. Was going to come home but he wanted me to stay and insisted so strongly that I staid. Went down to the creek in the evening and washed his buggy and ourselves. Clear and hot.

Friday, August 13, 1875: Helped Uncle Pet shell some corn in the morning then all went up to Richmond. Paid $1- for duster, 25c for comb, 55c for Collars 10c for Ink, and 10c for Grub. Staid until about 1 o'clock then Bob McGrew and I started home afoot and footed it all the way. Saw Frank Gardner and he wanted to know if I knew whether Geo Reid was going to get married tomorrow or not. I told him I knew nothing about it though I knew I was lying at the time. I don't believe it is any harm to yarn when anyone quizzes you so closely, when it is none of their business and you have been requested to keep it a secret. George left word for me to come over tonight so after going down to see All Garretson I came home and after supper I went over and staid all night and slept with George. I was bound to sleep with him before he was married or bust. Clear and hot.

Saturday, August 14, 1875: Came home before breakfast and went down and borrowed All's buggy. Came home and after a while took a box of Collar's to town and swapped them for a size larger. Paid 20c Sundries. Went down and got All's buggy about noon then got ready and went up after Mag. I never was so surprised in my life. She came out in a new suit and looked so pretty that I half wished it was she and I that were to be married. Went down to Boone's and saw them married. They both looked nicely and behave very well. I never heard as nice a ceremony in my life (though I never heard but two others). They were a little embarrassed as they were not looking for such a long one. Came over to Mike's and had an excellent cold supper and nice time. About ten o'clock the serenaders came and they were the hardest looking set I ever saw. There were about 40 of them dressed in every style imaginable, and of sizes and shapes. After the noise was over they were invited in and treated very well. Robinson Cox & Staley discoursed some very sweet music on their violins and the organ. They left about 1 o'clock and I brought All's buggy home and then came home. Saw Marcus Penland and borrowed his buggy for Sunday. Clear and hot.

Sunday, August 15, 1875: Charley went over and got Marcus' buggy and then I went over to Mike's and got Mag and then Geo and his wife. Mike Hahn and Estella and us went up to Pleasant Hill to Sunday school and from there down to Henry Hutton's near Paris for dinner. After dinner all went down to the springs. There was a large crowd there. Staid a short time then Geo and Add and us went down to Boswell's and took supper. After supper took Mag home and staid awhile with her. I acted the fool as usual & I expect hurt her feelings. When we were down at Boswell's we made them believe we were married and they wished us much joy &c and it mad me feel "kinder" like I was married. Brought Marcus' buggy home about 12 then came home. Clear and hot. Paid 10c toll.

Monday, August 16, 1875: Was sick and did not get up till 9 o'clock. Then went down and helped Aunt Hariet beam a piece. Came home and after dinner went down to Paris and Geo Burtch gave me a check for $39.70 due today. Went down to the springs with Wess Reid and had a game of Croquet. Came up home about sundown. Clear and hot.

Tuesday, August 17, 1875: Helped haul manure in the forenoon. After dinner went down to Paris and then to the springs. Came back to town and saw Lurt Reid we made it up to go to Henry Reid's come Saturday night. Came up to Richey's school house and met the directors. We agreed on the first Monday in Sept. to begin the school. Mowed the yard &c. Cloudy with a little rain.

Wednesday, August 18, 1875: Went down to All Garretson's in the morning and paid him $1- for the use of his buggy. Came home and wrote a letter to Dick Beal. Niles, Mich. Went over to Middleboro after dinner and mailed it. Staid until 5 or 6 o'clock then came home. Fair and cool. Sundries 6c.

Thursday, August 19, 1875: Worked in the ditch all day. Plowed and scooped most of the time. Cloudy and cool.

Friday, August 20, 1875: Worked in the ditch till noon but I felt so bad at noon that I quit. After dinner went down to Dr. Braffet and he said my liver was all out of fix. Went down to the springs and saw Geo Reid and Addie. Came back to town & Braffet gave me some pills and powders to take them home. Paid 13 cts. Sundries. Fair and pleasant. Paid Dr. Braffet $1- for medicine.

Saturday, August 21, 1875: Staid around the house until after dinner then Charley and I went up to Hillsboro in his buggy to a musical picnic. There were not very many there only the Hillsboro folks. They had some very good singing, and sang probably 6 or 7 songs, then retired and played Baseball and Croquet the rest of the day. It was a nice place to be if you had any acquaintances but if you didn't I don't know whether you would have enjoyed yourself or not. Took my Calico home then came back to Hillsboro after Charley and then home. I guess she will think me a little mad because I acted so cooly but I was not. I was unwell and did not feel like saying much to anyone. She is coming down home tomorrow and is to be down to Middleboro to Sunday school. Clear and pleasant.

Sunday, August 22, 1875: Went up to Sunday school in the morning and staid until meeting was about half out then came home. It was awful cold so cold that a fellow could not keep warm with a coat on. After dinner went to Uncle Pat's and then to Middleboro with them. After Sunday school went a swimming but not in the water. Had a real good time; in fact I enjoyed myself as well as I have for a long time. Staid until about 1 o'clock then came home. Weather pleasant and such a beautiful night! If the nights were all so beautiful I should not much wonder if people could not nearly live without anything else but moonlight.

Monday, August 23, 1875: Got up about 8 o'clock and then went down to the ditch and fooled around till noon. After dinner went down to Paris. Had no especial business only to see when the train leaves for Centreville, Ind. and to get my boot fixed. Saw Lew Little from Indianapolis and had a few words, in a friendly manner, with him. Staid until about sundown then came home. Clear and hot.

Tuesday, August 24, 1875: Worked in the ditch all day. Clear and pleasant.

Wednesday, August 25, 1875: Worked in the ditch until noon then went to Bill Alexander's and puttered around home the rest of the day. Tried to work some examples in "Ray's Higher" but some of them I could not. Clear and hot.

Thursday, August 26, 1875: Went down to Richmond with Marcus Reid in the morning. Pet Windsor was there and he said there was a dance close his house in the afternoon, so I went down with him and after dinner took his buggy & Minnie and went over for a Miss Grimes then we went to the picnic. I never saw as nice a one in my life. They danced until 6 o'clock and then they spread out their supper and ate it and then they danced until about 8 o'clock and went home. They ran from 4 to 6 sets all the time. I danced twice. Clear and hot.

Friday, August 27, 1875: Went with Uncle Pet and Bill Paddock as far as Elcorn Mills in Pet's buggy and then went over to Lew Broderick's and staid the rest of the day. I took them on surprise but I had a nice time. We played Croquet in the evening. Clear and hot.

Saturday, August 28, 1875: Went from Broderick's in the morning down to Elkorn Mills and from there went over to Florence Station to a Sunday school celebration with Uncle Pet's. Had a good time and met several of my old acquaintances. There was a nice sized crowd considering everything, there being two schools present, New Hope and Eldorado. Paid 30c Sundries. Went home with Uncle Will Windsor's. After we came home Manda and I went to Newt Idlett's after his Croquet set but he was not home. Had ice cream at night but it was salty. Clear and hot.

Sunday, August 29, 1875: Staid at Uncle Will's until after dinner then hitched up to his buggy and Olie and I came up to the springs. Saw Charley and got his buggy and came up home. There was a letter there from Uncle Al wanting me to meet him at Pet's but it was so late I could not go. Joe Slife and I went over to Middleboro to meeting but there was none so we went up the Pike but the folks went back on him and we did not have much fun. Came home about 1 or two o'clock I can't tell now where we were.

Monday, August 30, 1875: Took Charley's buggy and went down to Uncle Pet's but Al was not there so we went over to Uncle Bill's. After dinner left the buggy and walked up home. Was about played out when I got home. Came by the springs and Dr. Braffet's and got some medicine. Paid 15c Toll, 35c Medicine. Clear and hot. Was going to work for Uncle Will but our folks thought I had best not and I had the head ache and felt like I was taking the few so I did not. I think it made him mad but I can't help it.

Tuesday, August 31, 1875: Wrote a letter in the forenoon and after dinner took it over to Middleboro to the post office. Paid 25c for Stamps. Came home in the evening and found Wess Reid there he staid all night. Clear and hot.

Wednesday, September 1, 1875: Staid home nearly all day and studied book keeping. In the evening started up to see Tom Gardner but I met some boys and they told me he had gone home. So I came back home. Geo Anderson was there in the evening. Clear and hot.

Thursday, September 2, 1875: Staid at home in the forenoon and after dinner went to Paris. Just before I got to town got in with Marcus Penland and went to the springs. Came back to town and then went down to Hannah Brown's and staid all night. Had a very good time. Clear and hot.

Friday, September 3, 1875: Went up to town in the morning and staid until afternoon then came home in the evening came home and went over to Mike Reid's staid till after dark then came home past Uncle Bill's. Windy and hot in the forenoon and a nice shower in the afternoon. The first for nearly 4 weeks. Paid 5 cts. Sundries.

Saturday, September 4, 1875: Went down to Richmond with Marcus Reid in the morning. Paid 20c paper 50c pens $2.25 Handkerchiefs, 15c Sundries. Walked up as far as Middleboro with Jim Harrol. Then Lige Cox came home with me and we played on the violin until 12 o'clock. Clear and hot. Paid $65 for a colt of paps. I can have the choice of a suckling colt @ $50 or of a yearling @ $80 the colts to stay on the farm until I call for them.

Sunday, September 5, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning with Lige and intended on going to Middleboro to the funeral of Greer Nichol's child but did not as there was preaching. Mag went down to our house and after dinner started to Mackey's to meeting but did not go. Came back home and went a piece with her but did not get home until after 3 o'clock. Clear and hot.

Monday, September 6, 1875: Began my school this morning. There were 24 in attendance. I don't know whether it will be such a very nice school or not. They are very noisy and don't act like their teachers have been very strict. Went over to Dave Ogden's in the evening to see about getting board in wet bad winter. I guess I can get it by paying at the rate of $3.50 per week. Went down to town in the evening. Came up as far as his house with Dan Reid. Paid 5c for Lead pencil. Clear and hot.

Tuesday, September 7, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school. Two new scholars . Was very tired in the evening and after walking home. I was about played out. George Reid and his wife came over to our house in the evening and staid all night. Clear and hot.

Wednesday, September 8, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. Went to town in the evening after a vest for Charley and a pair of boots for myself. Am to pay $5.00 for them when I pay for them. Rode part way home with Mr. Judy and walked the rest. Clear and hot.

Thursday, September 9, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. There were 22 in attendance, 5 being absent. Rode up home with John Benson. Mrs. Clark and Margaret Jane Reid came from Richmond were there for supper. Cloudy and hot with a slight rain after dinner and a heavier one at night.

Friday, September 10, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school 25 being present. Swept up house and walked home intending to go to Dan Reid's after supper but Penyer was at our house and could not. Cloudy and cool especially at night. Thomas Harroll formerly of Hillsboro but of late resident of Richmond shot himself, it is thought, accidentally while blowing in the muzzle of a gun and holding the lock back with his foot. Will be buried next Sunday. Lonnie Barton died today at about 11 o'clock. Funeral next Sunday at 10 o'clock.

Saturday, September 11, 1875: Went over to Middleboro in the morning and borrowed a book of Lige Cox. Came home about noon and after dinner started up to Theodore Burg's but met Wess Barton and went up to Jim Baker's with him and got a book and then came home. In the evening went down to the woods to the schoolhouse to Uncle Bill's and then home to bed. Will tell some other time what the matter was. Clear and cool.

Sunday, September 12, 1875: Went up to Pleasant hill in the morning to Sunday school. After school went over to Concord to the burying of Lonnie Barton. It was a very large funeral but I do not think the friends took it very hard. Mr. Anderson preached his funeral. After the funeral went home and got my dinner and sent word for Slife to come and go to Middleboro with me but he did not come so I went over by myself. After school went down the creek and staid till night then came up to meeting. Tried to get Joe to go home with Nettie McFaran but could not. Took Mag home and staid until 1 o'clock. I have been so discouraged all day that I almost wished myself dead. After I came home I could not sleep any hardly until daylight. Cloudy and foggy and damp nearly all day.

Monday, September 13, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. There were 23 present. After school went down to town. Rode nearly home with Billy Garretson. Had the ____ts in the morning pretty badly. Foggy in the morning and Cloudy and warm the rest of the day. Lige Cox and Harvey Commons came over after I had gone to bed, to hear some music. Got up and played until about 10 o'clock.

Tuesday, September 14, 1875: Taught school. Had a very still school all day. 17 1/2 present. Swept the school house in the evening then went home. Went down to John Bensons and got the Sec'y book. Clear and pleasant.

Wednesday, September 15, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. Went to town in the evening and staid a few minutes then walked home. Was about played out when I got there. Clear and warm in the morning. Cloudy and some rain at night. 17 pupils today.

Thursday, September 16, 1875: Taught school. Had a fuller and better school than yesterday.There were 24 present. It the best classed school I ever had I believe. All the other schools always had 3 or 4 more classes than there ought to be with no fewer[?] pupils than here. Swept the school house and then went home in the evening. Rainy in the morning, cloudy the rest of the day.

Friday, September 17, 1875: Taught school. School was rather slim today there being only 16 1/2 present. Went to town at noon. Homer Porterfield had a chill so I left my overcoat with him and hurried on home. Got ready and started to Jim Jefferses and got as far as Middleboro but Lige had gone to Union City to the fair and did not get back in time. Went down to Steve Hawkins and listened to them play on the violins and then came home. Stopped at the Lime kiln awhile. Got home about 11 o'clock. Cloudy and cold as whiz.

Saturday, September 18, 1875: Went over to Middleboro in the morning and went down to Richmond with young Sam McCluer. Paid $1.00 Medicine and .03c Sundries. Came back to Middleboro with him and staid there awhile then came home and staid the rest of the day. Wrote a letter to Frank Walker and part of one to Uncle Will. Cloudy and awful cold.

Sunday, September 19, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning. Stopped at Uncle Bill's, as I went up and cut his hair. Staid till after meeting then Jackie Flatter and Roscoe Paine came home with me and staid till after 4 o'clock. In the evening went up and met Jackey near Tom bakers and then we went there a sparking. Had lots of fun. Staid until about 1 o'clock. Damp and cold.

Monday, September 20, 1875: Taught school. There were only 13 pupils at school today. Today made me feel like unto[?] when I taught at West Florence. Was nearly sick all day. Hurried home and went to bed about dark. Cloudy and very cold.

Tuesday, September 21, 1875: Taught school. 25 pupils today. Had 3 new pupils yesterday and 2 today. School was pretty noisy all afternoon. Swept the house in the evening then went home. Clear in the forenoon and Cloudy and cool in the afternoon.

Wednesday, September 22, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. 21 pupils present. Went down to town in the evening. There was a man found about 1/2 mile below town, with his head dented in and his face badly cut. He was well dressed wore a duster and appeared to be well off. There were no papers or pocket book found on his person except two old newspapers. I have not yet learned all the particulars yet but will write them down when I do. Cloudy and cool.

Thursday, September 23, 1875: Taught school. Had a very quiet school but not very good in numbers there being only 15 1/2 present. Went home after school. As I was going home, I met Mrs. King and she said Leary's little girl was pushed down at school by Charley Birely and had had her head hurt very badly, and that Lary was mad as thunder about it. and was going to have me or Mr. Birely settle it up. Some of the children say that she fell down on the railroad and hurt her head and some say not, so I don't know what to do about it. I knew nothing at all about it until Mrs. King told me and if it had happened at school, I would have known it. Clear and pleasant.

Friday, September 24, 1875: Taught school. Had 14 present. I don't know why in thunder they don't more regular. About half had the blues all day. Went down to town to see Lary but he was not at home. Saw some of the children and they said they found out better about their little girl. Walked on up home and staid the rest of the day and night.

Saturday, September 25, 1875: Cut corn in the forenoon. Went over to Middleboro in the evening and then Lige Cox and I went down to Jim Jeffersis' and I played on the violin and organ until about 11 o'clock then came home with Lige and staid all night. Cloudy and a light sprinkle.

Sunday, Sept. 26, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning.Staid until after meeting then came home and fed the things & got my dinner and then went to Middleboro to Sunday school. After school went up to Tom Baker's and at night went to Concord to meeting. Wm Edward Bartin preached and took as his subject "Be not deceived."I had not confidence enough in him to believe what he said though he talked very nicely and especially concerning Service. Went back up to Tom's and staid until 12 o'clock and then came home. Wess Craig came home with Ella. Had lots of fun. Learned something that pleased me very much. A fellow by the name of Chadwick tried to cut me out and had the impudence to ask he for her company after I had come. He said he is going to whip me. Oh dear. Clear and cool.

Monday, September 27, 1875: Taught school. Had a brushin[?] good school all day. The irish came out en-masse. There were 21 present. As I was going home stopped and talked with Joe Slife until sundown. Clear and pleasant.

Tuesday, September 28, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school 24 1/2 being present. Went home in the evening and found Uncle Will and Manda there. He told me all he knew about the farm in Minnesota. Went down to the school house in the morning with Marcus Reid. I bantered him to go to Minnesota in the spring and he said he would go. Clear and warm.

Wednesday, September 29, 1875: Taught school. A medium school all day. There were 23 present. Went down to town in the evening and got a letter from Dick Beal. Went up home in the evening. Clear and pleasant but windy.

Thursday, Sept. 30, 1875: Taught school. School was nothing extra. Mr. Horrigan came up at noon and raised cane or tried to do so. His little girl and Mr. Mingavin's got into a fight going home and his girl got whipped. From the way he talked he wanted me to whip Minganvin's girl. I did not think it was my place to do so, so I sent for the directors to come in tomorrow and decide the case. I had a case of the same kind last year and they decided in my favor. Went home in the evening and was mad as a bull. Rainy and bad nearly all day. 21 1/2 present.

Friday, Oct. 1, 1875: Taught school. School was not worth a cent all day. Saw John Richie in the morning, and Messrs. Tyler and Daily came to the school house in the morning and staid until 10 o'clock. They all declared it was not my place to correct children for any meanness on the road to and from school. they advised me to use all my influence in trying to keep them quiet along the road. Rode home with George Reid the went over to Middleboro after my mail. Came home about 8 o'clock. 23 pupils present. Cloudy and rainy in the morning; fair and cool the rest of the day.

Saturday, October 2, 1875: Went down to Uncle Bill's to get my boot fixed but he could not do it. Came home and peeled peaches and then wrote a letter then went to town and down to the springs. The picnic was a fizzle. Staid until dark then came up home as far as Slife's with Joe then came home. Uncle Will Windsor's were at our house when I got home. Paid .23 cts. Sund. Clear and pleasant.

Sunday, October 3, 1875: Waited on Charley to come home with his buggy until 10 o'clock. He did not come so I thought I would go down and tell the folks I could not come. Went down there but they were gone. There were some folks there but no one was at home and it bored me like thunder to go to the house. Went on to Yearly meeting. There was a very large crowd there. Staid until nearly sundown then came up to Middleboro and staid for meeting. Took Mag up to Boon Barton's and then came home. Got home about 11 o'clock. She said they waited until nearly 10 o'clock for me and they thought something had happened that I could not come. Was nearly tired down when I got home. Clear and pleasant. Paid 10 cts. toll.

Monday, October 4, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. 24 pupils present. Just as school broke in the evening, Pat Ireland came along in his wagon from Richmond, drunk as a hog. He came up the pike just as fast as the horses could run, and when his little boy Charlie saw him, he went out in front of the horses and began to throw stones to stop the horses. and when he got them stopped, he got in the wagon and took the lines from his father and made him let him drive. I thought I never saw anything as affecting in my life, for the little fellow was in the wagon before they were stopped, and he had the lines and he talked to him just like his father was a child. Rode up home, with Mike Reid. Cloudy and warm. Went up to Uncle Bill's at night and took my boots down to get them repaired.

Tuesday, October 5, 1875: Taught school. Had 28 pupils: the largest school I have had yet, but there was plenty of noise. The house is about 30 X 40 and has about a 14 foot ceiling, and enough seats to seat 40 pupils, therefore the house being so empty, it is very noisy. Cloudy and damp. Got a little wet going home.

Wednesday, October 6, 1875: Taught school. It rained nearly all forenoon but there were 18 present. Went down to town in the evening and bought an Umberella on time for $1.50. Tom Dolloff left his wife today. Did not learn the reason. They were married three months ago after him getting two Licenses. Wnt up home and found old Andy Howard there. Had 18 pupils. Cloudy and rainy the better portion of the day. Cool in the evening.

Thursday, October 7, 1875: Taught school. Had an unusually quiet school all day. Went up home and then over to Mike Reid's and staid until after 7 o'clock then came home. Partly cloudy and partly clear.

Friday, October 8, 1875: Taught school. Had 20 pupils present. In the afternoon had spelling match and Arithmetic school. Went down to town in the evening, then came home. Clear and cool.

Saturday, October 9, 1875: Went over to Middleboro in the morning and Pierce Long Came along so I got in with him and Richmond. Paid 10c Grub and 20c fiddle keys. Pap gave me a ticket to the fair so I went into the grounds but I saw no fair. There was not 300 people on the grounds, and the fair was no account at all. After noon they marched the horses and cattle around the race track as they with the sheep constituted the main part of the fair. In the evening there was some green trotting. Saw two heats made Time 3.14 & 3.03. Came home with Wess Alexander and after meeting came home. Cloudy and cool.

Sunday, October 10, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning. There was an old indiocincrat from Union City who tried to preach, but I believe a good hand at the business could fart a better sermon. Ella Baker and Rosa Kirk came home with us and staid until late in the evening. It rained nearly all day and Charley took them home. I had to go sparking and he wore my hat and overcoat so I had to stay until he came back an of course I got a late start. I didn't know where to go hardly but I thought I would go by Boon Bartons and if there was no one there I would go by Middleboro. Went by but there was no one at home so I went to meeting and came back there. Staid until after 2 o'clock.

Monday, October 11, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. There were 29 pupils present Sue Porterfield and Una started this morning. Felt very badly until after school took up when I got over my drowsiness. Wrote some after school then went home. Snowed today for the first of the season. Cold all day.

Tuesday, October 12, 1875: Taught school. Had a bully good school all day. 27 pupils present. It was election day so I went down to town in the evening. Everything was as quiet as it could be. Both parties were out "en=masse". Rode up home with Pap. In the evening Lige Cox came over and we had music until 11 o'clock. Just as he was going home Wess Reid and Estella came along and we had a big talk on temperance. Fair and cold.

Wednesday, October 13, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. Went to town in the evening. The latest news of the Election gave Hayes between 5,000 & 10,000. Walked up home. Clear and pleasant.

Thursday, October 14, 1875: Taught school. had medium school. 27 1/2 pupils present. Swept the house in the evening and then went home. Lige Cox sent word for me to come over.Went over and he wanted me to go over to Jeffere's with him. Had about half a notion not to go but I went and had lots of fun. Left a promise to go back next week. Got home at 12 o'clock. Warm and Fair and rain at night.

Friday, October 15, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. Some of the girls in the Grammar class tried to show off and had to cut their feathers a little. Went up home and got ready & went down to John Cox's with Lige and Frank Grave. Enjoyed myself hugely. Staid until about two o'clock then came home. Wet and bad all day. 23 present.

Saturday, October 16, 1875: Said in bad until nearly 9 o'clock the got up and got my breakfast about 11 and then picked some grapes. After noon got ready and went up to Flatter's and staid all night. There was no one at home but the children and hired girl until after we went to bed, Jakey came home. Cloudy and cold.

Sunday, October 17, 1875: Cut Johnny and Theodore's hair and then came home. Stopped at Pleasant Hill but meeting was just out. George Kirk came home with me and after dinner went over to Middleboro to Sunday school. After school John Reid & I bummed around until meeting time and after meeting went down the creek a finishing. They bit first rate. Came home at 1.30. Cloudy and pleasant.

Monday, October 18, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. Came home in the evening, went to bed before the rooster crowed twice. Clear and pleasant. 24 1/2 present.

Tuesday, October 19, 1875: taught school. Had a slashing good school. 29 pupils present. Went up and after supper down to Uncle Bill's to see Marcus. He has a Carbuncle on his padawhack or thereabouts. It stretched the gentleman nearly. I mean the carbuncle did.

Wednesday, October 20, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. went up home and at night went over to our school house with Mr. Surface to a spelling school. I believe we had as nice a time as I ever saw at a spelling school. H gave an appointment for another in two weeks and I invited them down to mine next Wednesday evening. Clear and beautiful. 29 present.

Thursday, October 21, 1875: Taught school. Had a first rate school all day. 31 present. Rode up home with Henry Garretson in the evening. Clear and beautiful.

Friday, October 22, 1875: Taught school. Had a good School. In the evening had a spelling match. Went by Dave Porterfield's in the evening and got Freddie and then we went down to Jeffrie's at night and had a fine time. Came home at 12.30. Clear and pleasant. Had 29 pupils.

Saturday, October 23, 1875: Went down to John Benson's in the morning and got his potatoe fork and then I dug potatoes until noon. After dinner went down & sent .56 cts. for books. Paid 16 cts. postage Came up home with Jim Hahn and at night went up to Pleasant Hill to singing. There were several there. Was appointed one of a committee of 5 to get Subscribers. Came home by Uncle Bill Reid's. He and I had a big discussion on the Centre of Gravity and the cause of an iron wedge severating[?]. Clear and beautiful.

Sunday, October 24, 1875: Went over too Al Garretson's and got him to subscribe and over to Billy's also but he said he would study awhile. Went up to Pleasant Hill and got 4 more. Came home after S.S. and after dinner went over to Uncle Pat's and then to Middleboro. Staid until after sundown and hen got home 6:30 P.M. Clear and pleasant.

Monday, October 25, 1875: Taught school. Did not have as good a school as commonly have. 29 pupils present. Went home and then to see Bill Alexander but he would not subscribe. Lige Cox and Coon Darlin came over and staid until nearly 11 o'clock. Had lots of music. Cloudy but pleasant.

Tuesday, October 26, 1875: Taught school. Had a bully school all day. Hurried home in the evening and then went to Jim Baker's He Sylvester & Estella Reid and I got 39 subscribers. Went with wess up to Aleck Hahn's and staid until 9 o'clock then cane home. Cloudy and cool.

Wednesday, October 27, 1875: Taught school. Medium school only. Spelled after recess. Went up to Dan Porterfield's and took supper. It was the first time supper for 7 years, and the second time I have been in the house. Cut Oscar's hair and I cut Dan Reid's as I came down to school in the morning. Came down to the school house and had a nice spelling school. There were over 100 there and they nearly all spelled. I got my arm out of place some how while going home bit got home nearly as soon as the rest. Clear and beautiful.

Thursday, October 28, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school in the house but I have been noticing a tendency among the little ones to quarrel, so there were two little boys got to fighting and I drew them up and whipped them. Then in the evening some of the girls got to fighting and I whipped one of them.

Friday, October 29, 1875: Taught school. Had a school all day. Had pieces after recess. Went home and staid the rest of the day.

Saturday, October 30, 1875: Staid at home until after dinner. Well I went over to Middleboro just before dinner too. Came home and went to town. Paid .06cts. postage. Went up to the school house and swept it. Jessie Flatter came along so we went back after 2 lamp chimneys. Came on home. Jessie went sparking I guess for he came in and combed his head and then went on.

Sunday, October 31, 1875: Went up to Sunday school. After Sunday school went to Joe Hahn's and took dinner. Went down with George Porterfield and Oscar. Staid until nearly sundown then came home and went over to Middleboro to meeting. After meeting came home. Cloudy and cool.

Monday, November 1, 1875: Taught school. had a good school all day. 29 pupils present. Went up home staid the rest of the day. Clear and pleasant. About 10.30 A.M. today Hez Hetzler was going through a gate with his little girl on a load of rails. It wanted to drive but he told it to sit still and drove through and when he looked his little girl had fallen and was lying senseless on the ground. The hind wheel of the wagon had passed over her body. She lived until about 8 o'clock at night. Just before she died she said Mamma, papa's naugty wagon runned over little Clara and put her on the bed. She is going to die." They are nearly crazy. She was the smartest little child I ever saw and her death has cast a gloom over the entire neighborhood.

Tuesday, November 2, 1875: Taught school. Had a bully school all day. 35 present. Went down to town in the evening. Came back and mother helped me sweep the school then went up home and after supper went over to Mike Reid's to practice some pieces to sing at Clara Hetzler's funeral. Came home about 10 o'clock.

Wednesday, November 3, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. Cloudy and rainy all day. The funeral passed by the school house about three o'clock but it was so bad that I did not go to the grave yard.

Thursday, November 4, 1875: Taught school. Medium school only. John Richie and I lifted some of the seats in the morning before school took up. After school went up and got Tyler to sign a certificate for $20.00. Got home after dark and came nearly 'coon hunting at night. Fair and pleasant.

Friday, November 5, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school. Some of the little girls got in the fashion of hoisting the windows just as books would take up so I made a rule the next ones I saw I would tie their hands. So three of them disobeyed and while I was tying them Lib McGrew came in. I had a notion to back out but I faced the music and tied them. Went down to town with Charley Reid in the evening and loaned John Moore $25.00 until Christmas at 10%. Came on home. Clear and cool.

Saturday, November 6, 1875: Went down to Richmond with mother. Bought 2 3/4 yds. of Cassimere at $1.75 3 1/4yds. flannel @ .65 and 3 1/4 yds at. 55. Paid .20 cts. hair cut and .14 cts. toll. Came as far as Henry Garetson's and then went to town and left a pair of pants for the tailor to make. Came home by Dan Porterfield's with George & then went sparking up to Hillsboro. did not get there until 7 o'clock and did not leave until nearly 2. Had a big talk for I had not seen her for three weeks. Sometimes I do not think I want to go with her any more, but when I get with her all such thoughts vanish. I know that she is rather frolocksome and vain but sometimes I think that when she gets older all that will pass away and will leave in its stead a pure and noble heart. I acted rather cool and tried to get her to go with someone else but was of no use. Clear and beautiful.

Sunday, November 7, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning. There was an old woman preached who wanted a man more than anything else I think. Came home and staid the rest of the day. Al Garretson & wife came up in the afternoon. Went up to Pleasant Hill at night and heard Ed Bowers lecture on Samaria. He was pretty interesting but he speaks rather fast and uses too much repetition. In time I think he will make a very good speaker. Pretty weather.

Monday, November 8, 1875: Taught school. 23 1/2 present. Went up to Tyler's and took supper and practiced a few pieces then went down to paris to a temperance lecture. We were to do singing but they had no organ, but we sand anyhow. Came up home in the rain. Pleasant.

Tuesday, November 9, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day.

Saturday, November 13, 1875: Went to town in the morning and drew $92.50. Paid A. Johnson $2.20 D Seftwick .15 & .20 cts. R.R. ticket. Went over to Richmond on the train & paid $1.95 fiddle bow &c. $4.25 hat and .17 cts. Sundries. Came home with Jake Dayton. This has been the worst day for a long time. Cloudy and raining all day & night.

Sunday, November 14, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning. Saw Mr. Tyler and we concluded that I should go over to his house & stay all night and then go down in the morning and arrest O. Donnel in the morning before he could get a chance to get away. Came home and in the evening went to Tyler's going past Slife's and Dave Porterfield's. Told Joe what we were going to do and he said it was al right. Cloudy and rainy all day.

Monday, November 15, 1875: Got up about 4 o'clock and went with Joe and Tyler to town. Squire Johnson thought it best to lay it before prosecuting Attorney Freeman. He seemed to think it a clear case for Joe and advised him not to Plead guilty nor offer to pay for carrying a pistol. Taught school. Had a good school. 34 present. 2 new pupils. Cloudy and fair.

Tuesday, November 16, 1875:Taught school. Had a good school all day. 38 1/2 present. Went up home and staid all night. Lurt Reid came up and staid all night. Had some nice music. Made arrangements to have some fun this winter. Cloudy and cold. Spit snow nearly all day.

Wednesday, November 17, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. 36 1/2 present. Hurried home in the evening and went over to a Surprise Oyster supper at John Boyd's. There were 12 couple there.It was a compete surprise. E Boyers came home with me. Clear and cool.

Thursday, November 18, 1875: Taught school. 35 1/2 present. Wa so hoarse that I could hardly talk all day. Towards evening I got the blues and could hardly stand it until school let out. Went up home & staid the rest of the night. Lige Cox & Harve Commons were coming over but they did not. Cloudy and cold.

Friday, November 19, 1875: Taught school. 34 present. Misses Ann & Julia Kessler and Emma Cox were up to visit in the after noon. Went by to get Oscar Porterfield to go with me down to Jeffers' but he could not. Went down there with Lige Cox & Harve Commons and had a huge old time. It rained so I staid all night with Lige. Cloudy and pleasant.

Saturday, November 20, 1875: Staid at Middleboro until about 10 o'clock then came home. After dinner went down to town and staid until about 6 or 7 o'clock then came home part way with Joe Slife and Dan Reid. Henry Hampton & wife and part of Jim Reid's family were at our house all night. Cloudy and damp. Paid 20 cts. Box Collars. James Braffit 15 cts.

Sunday, November 21, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning. After meeting came home and staid until meeting tim then went over to Middleboro to meeting with Joe Frist and Charley. Came home after meeting Clear and cold as whiz.

Monday, November 22, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. 38 1/2 present. Went home in the evening and staid the rest of the night. Clear and warm. It keeps me so busy to attend to my other business that I have to leave out a great deal that I would love to put in this. The Catholic children refused to read in the testament today.

Tuesday, November 23, 1875: Taught school. Had a very common school. 32 1/2 present. Some of the girls helped sweep the house then went home and put up for the night. Cloudy and rainy nearly all day. Clear and cold at night.

Wednesday, November 24, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. 34 1/2 present. Went down to town in the evening and got some letters. Went up home and staid the rest of the night. Clear and cool.

Thursday, November 25, 1875: Taught school. Did not have a very extra school all day. It was Thanksgiving day today and I did not feel like taking any interest nor could I get the school to take any interest in the afternoon so we closed up and had an Arithmetic and spelling match. Clear and warm all day but it rained nearly all night. Rode up home with Al Garretson.

Friday, November 26, 1875: Taught school. Had just a medium school all day. It was the last day of my first term and tried to have some pieces but we made a miserable failure of it. As it happened there were none in but Mr. & Miss Richie and they knew how to sympathize with a fellow. They have never been used to speaking for some time past and when they got up to speak they forgot everything. Went up home and after supper went to sawing on the fiddle but as there was to be an oyster supper down at Dan Reid's and hearing Wess Reid go down I thought I would go down awhile. Went down & they had a nice housefull. Had lots of fun and staid until nearly one o'clock. Cloudy and damp nearly all day.

Saturday, November 27, 1875: Went down to the schoolhouse in the morning and helped remove some seats, then went to town and then on the train to Richmond. Paid .20 R.R. Ticket. $18. 50/100 Overcoat and 25 c tickets and .15c Sundries. Came as far as New Paris with Mr. Tyler and staid around there awhile then came past his house (after my overcoat) home, with Joe Slife. Billy Garretson's child died at 12.30 tonight after being sick since 4 o'clock. Maras Smith jumped on a pitchfork running two prongs into his abdomen. It is thought one pierced his liver. Boon Barton's boy, Willie was kicked by a horse, breaking his leg in two places. I think this is a very unlucky day. Cloudy and cool.

Sunday, November 28, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill in the morning and back home at noon. Dan Reid and George Aigmyer from Richmond were there. Staid until evening and then went down to Henry Garretson's and sat up with the corpse of Billy's child. Rob McGrew, Sallie Peden, and Linnie sat up. We sat up all night. Rained all day.

Monday, November 29, 1875: Taught school all day. Had three new pupils Porter Daily, John Auld and Delia Dwyer. 32 present. Went up home and wrote a letter. Cold! Indeed it is getting cold!

Tuesday, November 30, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. 39 1/2 present. Did some writing in the evening then went up home and wrote a letter to my gal. Mrs. Brawley was at our house all night. Cloudy and cool.

Wednesday, December 1, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school all day. Kept them all in during the afternoon recess for talking. 37 1/2 present. Went down to town in the morning and mailed 3 letters & a postal card. As I was coming back I met Tyler & Richie going to Eaton. They had been summoned to appear before the Grand Jury to testify about the fight at the spelling school. Went down to Uncle Bill's at night and staid until bed time. Clear and pleasant. Paid 10. stamps.

Thursday, December 2, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. Went up home and staid the rest of the night. Clear and pleasant.

Friday, December 3, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school all day. In the afternoon we practiced on our pieces. After school, went down to town and then went from there to Pleasant Hill to singing, with Mike Hahn. Had a nice time, and if we take pains I think we will learn considerable. Had present. Cloudy and damp.

Saturday, December 4, 1875: Staid at home until just before noon when I went over to Mike's to see Sylvester about going over to Jim Reid's. We concluded to go if it did look a little bad. So I came home and got ready and met him down at Uncle Bill's and then we went over and staid all night. Had a very good time and lots of music & dancing. Foggy and damp. Paid .05 cts. Toll.

Sunday, December 5, 1875: Staid at Jim's until about 2 o'clock then came home. Stopped at Uncle Bill's a few minutes as I came along and ate some of the birth day grub. Rained near all day.

Monday, December 6, 1875: Taught school. Did not have a very good school. Had such a severe cold that I did not feel like doing any thing hardly. 36 present. Went home and after supper went up to singing with A Garretson. It rained hard all the time we were coming home and we got pretty wet. Cloudy and wet. Paid .40 c Sundries.

Tuesday, December 7, 1875: Taught school. School was not as interesting as yesterday because I could not and did not feel like taking much pains in trying to learn them. 33 present. Went up home and staid the rest of the night. Cloudy and rainy.

Wednesday, December 8, 1875: Taught school. Had a bully school all day. Whipped Dannie Lary and Mike Mungivan. There were 39 present. Went up home & at night went up to singing. Being Sec'y was ordered to send for 4 doz of "The Favorite." Paid .15c Sund. Cloudy and wet.

Thursday, December 9, 1875: Taught school. Did not have quite as good school as yesterday. 38 present. Mother stopped at the school house in the evening and after sweeping the school house I went home with her. Cloudy damp & cool. Went to town in the morning and ordered the books. Paid .75 c medicine & .03 Postage.

Friday, December 10, 1875: Taught school. Had a very good school. They all had exercises in the afternoon. Had two visitors. Al Garretson and I went to town in the evening and got the song books that I sent for. Came up to his house and got our suppers and then went up to singing. Abner Hahn sent word for me to go to Pleasant Run tomorrow to a teacher's institute. Cloudy with about an inch of snow at night.

Saturday, December 11, 1875: Went down to the institute and had a very nice time; took diner with John Cox. Was coming home about 2 o'clock but it was so interesting that I did not leave until it closed about 4 o'clock. Hurried home and subscribed for the Presidents of the U.S. as I came along. Oscar & Sue Porterfield were at our house when I got home and after supper went down to the surprise at Uncle Bill's for Marcus. There were about 42 or 43 there and we had a very nice time. He was surprised completely and at first got mad but he saw that would not do so he straightened up and enjoyed it as well as the rest. stayed until nearly one o'clock then came home. Cloudy and damp.

Sunday, December 12, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill and after meeting Marcus & I went over to Mike Reid's and took dinner and staid until after dark. then came home. Had lots of music just before I came home.

Monday, December 13, 1875: Taught school. Went up to singing in the evening.

Tuesday, December 14, 1875: Taught school.

Wednesday, December 15, 1875: Taught school. Went up to singing in the evening.

Thursday, December 16, 1875: Taught school.

Friday, December 17, 1875: Taught school. The thermometer was 4 degrees below Zero this morning. Had a very good school all day. Came home and went up to singing at night.

Saturday, December 18, 1875: Went down to town in the morning and nearly froze. Bought a Necklace for .80 cts. and left my watch to be cleaned out. Came up home and then went to singing in the afternoon. Came home and staid the rest of the day & night. Clear and cold as the dickens.

Sunday, December 19, 1875: Went up to Pleasant Hill to S. School. Saw my sweetheart but just spoke to her and that was all. Came home and some of the boys came with me and after dinner we all went over to Middleboro to S. School. Staid for meeting and after meeting went a "skeiting" Staid until 2 o'clock. Clear but not quite so cool as yesterday.

Monday, December 20, 1875: Taught school. Had a "magnificent" school all day. Some of the boys got their backs up but I think I can win them over before long 42 present. Oscar Porterfield stopped by at school and gave me an invitation from Lurt Reid to the Hop at town on Christmas eve. Came home and went up to singing. Issued an order on the treasurer in favor of W.S. Montgomery for $15.00. Clear and warm. It was too nice to stay indoors today.

Tuesday, December 22, 1875: Taught school. Had a good school all day. 43 present. Swept the house and then rode up with pap. Rainy and damp all day.

Wednesday, December 22, 1875: Taught school.

Thursday, December 23, 1875: Taught school. Went up to singing at night.

Friday, December 24, 1875: Taught school. Had a medium school as it rained nearly all morning Intended having exercise in the evening but there were but a few at school so we did not have nay. Went home and then to Henry's for a saddle and then went to town to the dance. Had a nice time! danced 7 or 8 times. Came home. Paid $1.00 for no. Rainy and warm. Received $76.00 from Marcus Reid due on his note.

Saturday, December 25, 1875: Went over to Tyler's and got him to sign the certificate and then went to town and drew $67.50 for teaching. $20.00 from John Moore. Got on the train and went over to Richmond. Paid .20 R.R.F. .10 Sundries. Went down to Uncle Pet's and staid all night. Cool & cloudy.

Sunday, December 26, 1875: Staid at Uncle Pet's all day. Was hardly out of the house all day. Cloudy and damp.

Monday, December 27, 1875: Went up to Richmond with Uncle Pet. Paid 50c for cards. $3.00 for dolls & .35 cts. Sundries. Got on the train and went over to Paris and then came home. Went up to singing at night. Subject of lesson Transposition to Key of G. Cloudy and damp. Loaned Uncle Pet $200.00 for one year at 10%.

Tuesday, December 28, 1875: Went up to Middleboro in the morning and staid until noon then came home and after dinner went to town. A man was knocked off the railroad and had his wagon badly smashed and his horse's leg broken fortunately that man's leg was not hurt any. Staid at home until dark then went out home with Lurt Reid and staid all night. Cloudy and damp.

Wednesday, December 29, 1875: Went with Lurt down to the "Spring Mills" to a shooting match. There were 150 or 200 people there an about 65 Turkeys. It sickened me out on shooting matches. Came up to town with Lurt & Bill and then came home. After supper went up to Singing. Subject Exercises in Key of G & G Flat. Cloudy and damp.

Thursday, December 30, 1875: Went down to Uncle Bill and got him to repair my fine boots. Paid him $1.50 for fixing them and some other work that he had done. Came home and cut Marcus' hair and then staid home until evening. Marcus and I then went over to Middleboro and from there we went up to Boon Barton's with Robison and had some music. Staid until about 11 o'clock and then came home. Cloudy and warm.

Friday, December 31, 1875: Went to Richmond with pap. Paid .50 cts for pictures .30 for Collars .10 Blacking & .10 Sundries. Left my fiddle to be repaired that is when I want it done. Saw Will Reid there and ran around with him some. Came up home and went to singing and from there went to Tom Baker's to an oyster supper. Had a splendid time. Did not get home until 3 o'clock. Was invited to another one at Harve Cook's but I did not know what to do so it being late when I got home and not having any partner I concluded to go above. Fair and warm. Paid $3.00 Book