Diary in the possession of

Lorraine Shipley Claussen

Kansas City, Missouri

Diary transcribed by Lorraine

Claussen

Mary Everard was 18 years old.

Mary Everard’s Diary for 1858

January 1, Fri.,1858. I was at home this morning. Went to E.K.’s to a roast, but did not enjoy myself. Jessie had convulsions and I am very much troubled. The Dr., came tonight, but he is gone. Do not think she will live till morning.

Jan. 2, Sat. I am at home but my Dear Sister lays at the point of death. It is noon, she is no better. I feel worried. Tonight, there is a great man here, but my feeling, “Oh, can I yet hope for the recovery of Jessie?” Got a letter from C.M.

Jan. 3, Sun. Three days of another year gone, and I am no better prepared to meet my God. This day I have not prayed as much as I ought. Jessie seems better. She can not last long. I took a walk. Night. Jessie had a fit, and I thought I couldn’t’t control my feelings.

Jan. 4, Mon. Another day has dawned and Jessie is no better. I am almost ready to give her up for lost. Papa & Willy is better. Being up all night, lay down, slept half hour, got up felt very bad. J. Cauley was here. Have a slight pain in my head. Jessie seems better. Went to bed.

Jan. 5, Tues. This morning arose at 9, was somewhat refreshed. Helpt them butcher. Got done at night. A.H., C.H., I.L., S.E.J. are here. I feel very well. Jessie no better. I am pretty tired. I will stay up tonight, with my sister.

Jan. 6, Wed. I am at school this morning. Could not get my grammar lesson. At noon A.H. Washed my face. Went at night to Spelling School. Got acquainted with Mr. Stone. They had not very good order. T.L., E.G., J.K. is here. I do not intend to go to bed tonight.

Jan. 7, Thurs. I was at home this morning. Jessie had convulsion. Went to school, did not get a very good lesson. Came home at night, had a pain in my side. Milch the cows. Thought a good deal about Mr. Hines, would like to see him.

Jan. 8, Fri. I am one day nearer to my God. Have not read the Bible as I ought. Went to school. Jessie is better. Expected Mr. Guss. He did not come. I went to Hart’s. Went to meeting at night. Mr. James came along. He and I sat up till 1 o’clock. Had a great time. Got an invitation to a wedding. Do not intend to go.

Jan. 9, Sat. This morning I feel very well. C.H. is here. Went to school, did not study much. Mr. Stone came at 10. At noon Mat got acquainted with him. I think he is very handsome. Went to meeting tonight. Came home with Fairchild. Evin and Lib is here. I am getting worse instead of better.

Jan. 10, Sun. Another Sabbath has rolled into eternity. I arose, milch the cows, comb my hair. As I was dressing Frank______ & Mr. Fairchild came. Went to prayer meeting. Mr. James, K.S., G.W., J.D. was there. Still I feel very sad. E.G. came to set up. Went to bed at ten.

Jan. 11, Mon. Arose at one this morning. Mat went to bed. I sat up all night. Went to school. It rained. Was very sleepy. Mr. James is also. I am not contented. There is a load upon my heart. Came home at night very tired. Jennette Walker was here. Spent the evening reading.

Jan. 12, Tues. Was at home this morning. Went to school. Noon, Mary M. & I try to put each other outdoors. Afternoon, parsed. Night, Mrs. Green was here. Wrote to Mr. Hines. Mrs. Green and I sat up with Jessie. She had a convulsion. Mother was not there. I am knitting a pair of suspenders.

Jan. 13, Wed. Mother awoke me at half past five. Jessie had a convulsion. I bathed her feet. I lasted ___ minutes. Helpt get breakfast and milch the cows. Went to school. At noon they came and fetch me to teach school. Did not want to go. When left every eye was wet with tears. Cried all the way up.

Jan. 14, Thurs. This morning am at Lutsey’s. Went to commence school. Have 10 scholars. Feel as if, I could lay down and die. My heart feels it would burst. Went back to my boarding place. Cannot describe my feelings. Feel as if I could not stay any longer.

Jan. 15, Fri. Came to my school this morning but I can not content myself. I want to go home to see Jessie. Want to see Mr. H. soon. There is 8 young ladies, one young man. Their laughing but I cannot. Am at Lutsey’s. Feel very bad. Dr. S. came here tonight. Got me in a good humor.

Jan. 16, Sat. This morning am at Lutsey’s. It rained very hard. Sent a letter home with the Dr. Came to school. There is no one here. I can read, but my thoughts are not here. They are wandering. Noon. I am in school, feel very bad. Came home at night, my feelings are not settled.

Jan. 17, Sun. This Sabbath I am at Mr. Lutsey’s, but my mind is troubled. My thoughts are not here. I am not capable to teach school. I have been reading, writing and praying. Oh, if my intended consort were here, I would be happy. Took a walk. Looked for Della, but she did not come. I cannot stay here another week. Went to Meeting, stayed to class.

Jan. 18, Mon. This the beginning of a week. Am still in Slocum. I long for Saturday, then I shall go home. Am in my class room. I do not feel very well. Hope that C. has been converted. I long to see him. I am at Lutsey’s. Feel as if I could not stand it. Mr. Wilds is here. Had a great time with an old man, but was not contented.

Jan. 19, Tues. I bought a few things of a peddler. Came to school at ___o’clock. Got along very well. There is one example that I can not do in arithmetic. I long to see my friends and to be with them again. I wonder if they think as much of me, as I do of them. I feel as if the Lord had answered my prayer. Went to Mr. Vandermark. Received a letter from C.H. Was very glad to hear from him. Prayed that the Lord would help to keep this school I have commenced.

Jan. 20, Wed. This morning am at school again. Have 8 days to keep till Simm(?) comes. They seem very long. My school closed. I am alone. Went to Mr. Lutsy’s, but was not content. Went to see Mrs. H. Jones, she was not at home. We told some anecdotes on the road. Thought Jane would kill herself laughing. Went to ____ _____ Jones.

Jan. 21, Thurs. This morning am at Lutsey’s. Came to my school, but am not contented. Troubled about Mr. H. If I could see him I would be content. At noon took a walk to Futz’s. Miss Bellus came along. Dr. is here. Went to G. Jones, enjoyed myself, very well. Dr. had a great time with the girls. Mr. Jones and I sang.

Jan. 22, Fri. Am still at Slocum. Jane and I gave Dr. Stone buckcakes, salt and pepper. He fed it to Jane and he would to me but, I started off. Went to school. At noon a walk. Thought about home. At night came to Fultz’s. Philip Hoa___ came, told me he would take me home.

Jan. 23, Sat. This morning am anxious to get home. Expect papa and Ann. 10 o’clock, Ann came. Went to Mr. Vandermark’s. Came home at 4 o’clock. Mr. Hines came. Went to Meeting at night. Rev. Switzer and Mr. C. came along. Mr. Hines and I sat up all night. He is converted. I was very glad to hear it. Jessie is a little better.

Jan. 24, Sun. Do not feel very well. Went to prayer meeting, enjoyed myself very well. Came home helpt get dinner. Cicero is ready to go, I can hardly control my feelings. Went with him up to Cawley’s store. Got some candy, bid Mr. Hines adieu. Came home, milkt the cows. John Cawley gave me a kiss. Went to bed very early.

Jan. 25, Mon. I am at home. Got breakfast, milkt the cows, went to washing. Got dinner, finished washing, cleaned the house. This afternoon baked. Did not sit down, was very tired. Got supper, wiped the dishes. Went to sewing, got tired. Read to mother. Heard someone in the hall. It was Mr. James, was very glad he came or I would have to sit up alone.

Jan. 26, Tues. Am at home this morning. Went to school, got a lesson in grammar. At noon fecht a pail of water. Won a philapen (?) of Mr. James. Mat shut Mr. James and Lydia Shobert and I in the schoolhouse. Went home. Levi Shobert came here. John Cawley was here. Levi went home at 11 o’clock.

Jan. 27, Wed. Arose at 5 o’clock, helpt get breakfast, helpt butcher. Got done at 5 o’clock P.M. Dressed myself, went to Spelling School. Enjoyed myself. John Cawley came along. I was very tired and sleepy. Went to bed at 11 o’clock. Did not read a chapter in my Bible. Hope that I will do better.

Jan. 28, Thurs. Am home this morning, set the table, milkt the cows. Came to school, got my grammar lesson. Noon. Mr. James threw some water in my face. I feel that I must serve my Lord better. My mind is at ease. I am amused by the girls jumping rope. Came home at night, milked the cows & helped iron after supper. Got done at 9 o’clock.

Jan 29, Fri. Am at home this morning. Went to school pretty late. At noon, Sarah Shortz came in school. She put a bonnet on my head. Could not get along in arithmetic. Came home at night. Went to spelling school, but there is sorrow. I feel sorrowful. Mr. James & Sarah Shortz came home with me.

Jan. 30, Sat. This morning overslept myself. I arose, cleaned the dining room. Went to Mr. Cawley’s. Rebecca and James went along. Came home, wrote a letter to Mr. Hines. Did not send it. Went to Meeting. Received a letter from Mr. Hines. Was very glad to hear of the conversion of sinners.

Jan. 31, Sun. Another Sabbath has dawned. There is a funeral, did not go. Went to Prayer Meeting. the Lord met with me there. Came home prayed that the Lord would help my Father & Mother to turn to God. John Cawley & Mr. Miller was here. I did not spend this day as I ought.

Feb. 1, Mon. I am at home this morning. I went to school. Got a grammar lesson in the afternoon. Cyphered. Went home at night, milked the cows. Am sewing on some shirts for C.

Feb. 2, Tues. This morning I did not get up very early. I milkt the cows. Thomas milked one. I went to school in the forenoon. I received my Grammar lesson. In the afternoon, wrote a letter to C. & one to May Seward. Intended to send them, but did not.

Feb. 3, Wed. This morning I am at home. Milked the cows. Went to washing. Did not get done till 3 P.M. Was pretty tired at night. Mr. James came up. Martha H. & I went to Mr. Fairchild’s Spelling School. A. Kinsey ____ at me here. Mr. James was very affectionate.

Feb 4, Thurs. I am at home. I baked some cakes. Went to school at noon. Played. Sister Martha was out of patience with me. This afternoon I feel very sad. I worry that I do serve my Lord as I ought. I feel more like crying than laughing.

Feb. 5, Fri. This morning I went to school alone. Martha stayed at home. I am ciphering in ___ ___. Do not get along very well. At night went home. Rev. Guss is here. William Priestly from England. I went to Meeting at night. Tried to keep Mr. Shelly (?) still. Rev. Guss went home with me.

Feb. 6, Sat. This morning I rose, made fire and cleaned the parlor, helpt do the work in the kitchen. Mr. Guss being here, did not go to school, till a half past 10 o’clock. It being the last time he is to preach gave him goodbye. He said that when I got married I should get him to marry me. At night went to Spelling School. Got acquainted with Mr. F.E. Dorner. Mr. Stone went home with me. I gave him a penny.

Feb. 7, Sun. This morning am at home. Mr. Stone and James is here. I played on the melodeon and Mr. Stone sang. Went to Prayer Meeting. Mr. Stone and James came home with me. Rebecca came home. I got dinner. After dinner Mr. Stone and James went away. I went to bed very early. Dr. Stone came.

Feb. 8, Mon. Jessie is worse this morning. Jessie, I am afraid she will die. Mrs. Williams came here. I wrote a letter to sister Lib. Jose went to Berwick. I went to school. Went home at night. Josephine came back from Berwick.

Feb. 9, 10, 11, 12,& part of 13 could not read.

Feb. 13, Sat. Went back to Shartz. Came home at dark. Mrs. Belles and Mrs. Lutzy and I went to Cawley’s store.

Feb. 14, Sun. This morning there is snow, so I can not go to Meeting. Mr. Fuldin came here. I played on the melodeon. Took ____ to her school this afternoon. Got a letter from C. instead of a visit.

Feb. 15, Mon. Went to school, got through my arithmetic. Came home at night. Milked the cows. Finished a shirt for C. Retired at eleven o’clock. Is very cold.

Feb 16, Tues. This morning I arose, milked the cows, did washing, got done at noon. I am very tired, lay down to rest. When I awoke they had come home from school. Mr. James came at dark.

Feb. 17, Wed. This morning, I went to school. Did not feel very well. Home at night, very tired. Went to Mr. Fairchild’s spelling school. Seen some friends. Then came home. They had all retired. Mat & I retired pretty soon.

Feb. 18, Thurs. Went to school. Got a grammar lesson in the forenoon. This afternoon Rebecca came to help parse. Expected Mr. C. and Mr. Briggs. They did not come. I wanted to see Mr. Briggs very bad. Was very sorry that he did not come.

Feb. 19, Fri. Went to school. It snowed in the forenoon. Got a grammar lesson. Studyed arithmetic in the afternoon. Came home tonight. Martha went to Mr. Kinsey’s till Meeting. It snowed so I could not go. Played on the melodeon.

Feb. 20, Sat. Took us to school in sleigh at noon. It snowed very hard this afternoon. Mr. Warner, Mr. Stone, Mr. Barker, Kinden and Briggs came to visit the school. They all went home with me and took supper. I played on the melodeon. Got a valentine. We all went to meeting. Mr. Keen is here.

Feb. 21, Sun. The snow is pretty deep. Mat & I went to Prayer Meeting. I rode home with Mr. Briggs. This afternoon I cried. Heard bad news. Went to Berwick & sleighriding, but did not feel enjoy myself, was troubled. There is no pleasure in this world.

Feb. 22, Mon. Am at home. Mother looks very bad. Jessie can not see yet. It is 7 weeks since she seen. Came home at night. Went to bed early.

Feb. 23, Tues. This morning I am washing. I did not get done till after dinner. Mr Boid (?) came for me to teach school up in Slocum. I would not go. Rebecca intends to go.

Feb. 24, Wed. Went to school this morning. Got a grammar lesson. At noon I was very lonesome. Mr. James came home with us, tonight. Went to Spelling School. I wounded Mr. K. feelings. Went to bed soon after I returned home.

Feb. 25, Thurs. Went to school. Ask Mr. K. to forgive me, which he did. We got a very hard parsing lesson. Looked for Mr. Briggs and Mr. H. They did not come. Jessie appears no better. Sometimes I am afraid she will die, but God doeth all for the best.

Feb. 26, Fri. This morning I am at home. Went to school. Mr. B. & Mr. H. came to school at noon. I was left alone, wrote a letter. This afternoon Mr. Briggs wrote for me, heard us parse. They and Mr. J. came home with me. Went to spelling school. Felt very melancholy.

Feb. 27, Sat. This closes our school for this term. Went to school, parsed. Mr. Briggs & Mr. H. helpt us. Noon. Went to Mr. Kinsey’s. Spelt this afternoon. Mr. B. & Mr. H. addressed the scholars. We had a roast. Expected Mr. & Mrs. Jones for supper. Night. Went to singing school. Felt very sad. I had my feelings wounded.

Feb. 28, Sun. Arose, made fire, milked the cows. H. gave me a present. It was received with pleasure. He went home. Mr. Jones and I sang. Went to Prayer Meeting, enjoyed myself very well. I feel that I have not served the Lord as I ought. Retired pretty early.

Mar. 1, Mon. Arose at three o’clock. Mr. James met the cars at Beach. H. started at 5 o’clock. It was very lonesome all day. I seemed lost. It was a solemn day. It was like losing a dear friend.

Mar. 2, Tues. It is not very cold. I got breakfast and milked the cows, washed some, baked, finished till noon. Sewed in the afternoon, but my mind was not at ease. I reflected back on my life. Oh, it is not spent as it ought to have been. It troubles me.

Mar. 3, Wed. Got breakfast, milked the cows. Martha and I finished washing. At night Rebecca returned home. Mat & I went to spelling school. Came home at ten. I have resolved to try and serve God better, while I live and be prepared to die.

Mar. 4, Thurs. Did not get up very early. Milked the cows. Sewed all day. Went with Mrs. Shelly up to the store. Jessie cannot see. She lays all the time, is too weak to raise her head.

Mar. 5, Fri. Arose, milked the cows, helped iron. Mother took care of Jessie. Levi Shobert came here. Finished two shirts. Went to bed at ten o’clock. Felt concerned about my soul. Felt a deep regret that I have lived as I had.

Mar. 6. Sat. It is very lonesome. Was very busy until noon. Martha and I went to the store for a walk. Came home, milked the cows. Received a music book and grammar for a present. Played on the melodeon.

Mar. 7, Sun. Arose, got ready. Thomas & I started to Slocum. Met ____ & she went along. Arrived there at noon. Wrote a letter to C. Felt pretty lonesome. I haven’t read my Bible as I ought. Went to C. Lutz, spent the evening. Came home. Did not feel contented.

Mar. 8, Mon. Went with Ann to her school. Read my Bible. Got very tired. Went to singing school. Rev. Smith and Esther Vandermark, was very mirthful. I stayed at Mr. F. Jones. Had family prayer, retired to rest.

Mar. 9, Tues. It was pretty late when I arose. After breakfast had family prayer. Smith went off. Mr. Jones & I sang several tunes. Stayed until 3 o’clock. Came to school. Ann & I went to Vandermarks. Went and spent the evening with Esther. Came here, was afraid, it being through woods.

Mar. 10, Wed. I am at Vandermarks. Bill V. came, was very sleepy. Came to school. Went home with Mrs. Bellus. Ann & W. Lutz came and spent the evening. They went home at ten o’clock. I retired to rest, was afraid that my life would not be spared. Have thought that I was not fit to die.

Mar. 11, Thurs. Am at Mrs. Bellus. Can thank God that my life was spared. Came to school did an example for D. Lutsey. Went to Mr. Jones for tea. Spent the evening. Came for Mr. Lutsey. Was thankful that my life was spared to another close.

Mar. 12, Fri. Am at Mr. Lutsey. Marked off some patterns. Came to school. Wrote a letter to A. Marshall. Mr. Ritcherson visited the school. I read a great while at night. Went to the store. Ann received a letter from P.F.

Mar. 13, Sat. Am at L. Commenced a collar. At ten o’clock John came. Went home. Expected Effie Smith. She did not come. Stayed up pretty late.

Mar. 14, Sun. Went to prayer meeting, enjoyed myself. Elizabeth & Evin came up. I came home more happy, than went, having received a blessing. I played a few tunes on the melodeon. Red some till the day was spent.

Mar. 15, Mon. I am at home. Went to Berwick. The roads was very muddy. Stopped at Mr. Meers, was quilting. Heard that Dr. Brass was not expected to live. Made a dress shirt for S. Poplar.

Mar. 16, Tues. Am at Berwick. Came home. They were washing. Cooked dinner, cleaned the dining room. Sewed.

Mar. 17, Wed. This morning milked the cows. Sewed till eleven o’clock. In the afternoon did not do much. I played on the melodeon. Retired pretty early.

Mar. 18, Thurs. Am at home. Ironed in the forenoon. In the afternoon went to Mr. Shelley’s on a visit. Crocheted at a collar. Came home, milked the cows. It was pretty dark. I was afraid.

Mar. 19, Fri. Am at home. Washed till eleven o’clock. E. Smith, I, & Augusta Walker went up on the hill to see Mr. Smith’s house from there. Went to J. Cauley’s store. Came back churned and ironed some.

Mar. 20, Sat. Worked very hard this forenoon. After dinner went to school. Coming home received a letter from M. It made me feel very bad, and went up stairs and wept. Went to Meeting. Came home. Jessie was christened.

Mar. 21, Sun. Arose pretty late. John took we girls up to Bethel Church to meeting, but there was none. Went to Mr. Grovers. Called at Ellen Grovers. Came home. John Dull was here. Wrote a letter to C., but it did not suit me.

Mar. 22, Mon. Sent my letter. quilted all day. Ann helpt me in the afternoon, but my mind was not satisfied, for I know that I do not live as near to my God as I ought.

Mar. 23, Tues. Am at home. Helpt scrub the school house. Came home at noon. In the afternoon sewed, but my mind was troubled for I know that I do not serve the Lord as I ought. At night had my fortune told.

Mar. 24, Wed. I am at home. Drove out to Mr. Walker’s. Miss Smith went along. Stayed all day. At night went to Mr. Cauley’s. Came home and as I was looking at the Heavens, I felt that I was not prepared to die, should the Lord see proper to call me away.

Mar. 25, Thurs. I arose this morning. Milked the cows. Della & I worked till noon. I had a boil on my cheek. Lay down till 6 o’clock. Was sewing when the girls came from the Powder Mill.

Mar. 26, Fri. Was at home did not do much in the forenoon for my face has pained me. Mr. W. came here. Intended to go there tomorrow. The girls went to Mr. Harter’s. At night was pretty busy.

Mar. 27, Sat. I am very busy. Ellen Smith fit a dress for me. Mary Shortz came here. Ellen & I went to W. My nose bled very bad. they fetched me home. I received an answer to my letter.

Mar. 28, Sun. My face is not well, but I was persuaded to go to Berwick. We went to the graveyard & I heard that there was a great man had died during the past week. Came without a moments warning.

Mar. 29, Mon. This morning am at home. My thoughts are of my friends that are dead. Will I ever meet them again. Jessie, she may soon be called away, for it seems as if it were impossible for her to recover. Think it will be the best, was it the Lord’s will.

Mar. 30, Tues. Am at home. Elizabeth moved. Mat has gone to help her. Della & I washed all the forenoon. We was very tired. Mat came home at dark. the doctor is here, he does not know what to think of Jessie.

Mar. 31, Wed. Am at home. Della & I ironed all the forenoon. We went to Mr. B. Whitebread’s & I enjoyed myself. Found a pair of shoes. Came home just at_____.

Apr. 1, Thurs. This morning I made garden. J. Dull helpt. Mrs Shortz came here after dinner. I went with her, home. She had fell off the wagon and hurt her arm, so I went along to drive.

Apr. 2, Fri. Am at Shortz’s. Have a very large boil on my neck. Crocheted until two. Mrs. Hughes came. They stayed all day. I went down to Mr. Findley’s. Came unexpected. Mrs. Boyer came and spent the evening.

Apr. 3, Sat. Am at Mr. Finley’s. Mr. F. made a poultice for on my face. It pained me a great while. At 3 o’clock, Angeline and I started to come home. I helpt her carry her baby. when I see Jessie, I could not keep from crying.

Apr. 4, Sun. It is Easter. I am at home, my face pains me. Thought Jessie would choke to death. We sent for the Dr. He is discouraged. I could not go to Prayer Meeting. Received a letter from A. Kinsey. He called at dusk.

Apr. 5, Mon. Am at home. My face is pretty bad. It is swollen. I helpt spade the garden. Philip came to build the store wall. Jessie is better. I have to keep my face tied up.

Apr. 6, Tues. The girls washed. I did the work. My face is no better. It pains me enough to make me feel bad. I was very busy. Martha was very sick all day. Mr. D. Evan came to see Jessie.

Apr. 7, Wed. Am at home. Ann & Della is cleaning the house. I washed the dishes. Got everything for dinner. Mrs. M. Shortz came here. I got dinner for the first table. I did not feel very well, for my face pains me.

Apr. 8, Thurs. My face is no better. Did the work. Commenced writing. Mr. Whitebread came and hired me to teach school. At night. Uncle Nate came. J. Dull. I told him I was not going to school.

Apr. 9, Fri. It is very rainy. The masons cannot work. They are going home. Done the work. Mat and I went to spend the afternoon at Mr. Yeager’s. Went to spelling school. Heard that Dr. Sloan was engaged to be married to Sarah.

Apr. 10, Sat. Am at home. Went to Mr. Fairchild’s school. In the afternoon after school went to the postoffice. Seen John Cawley. Expected C. but he didn’t come. I intend to teach school.

Apr. 11, Sun. Am at home. It is very dull. Went to Prayer Meeting. It rained. Intended to go to Dorance. It is raining so I can not go. Went to church at night. The preacher did not come, so had prayer meeting. I enjoyed myself.

Apr. 12, Mon. Went to Dorance. John took me up there. Is no Scholars. Went to Mr. Spades, my boarding place. Sewed this afternoon. Like Mrs._____ . She was very loquaceous. At night I retired early.

Apr. 13, Tues. Arose. It was raining. Went to school, made fire, had one scholar. Read the Crucifixion of my Savior. Had no scholars in the afternoon. Sewed. Made a dress shirt. Thought it wouldn’t clear off.

Apr. 14, Wed. Awoke at 8, but Mrs. Spade said I should lie still. Arose went to Schoolhouse. No scholars came. Stayed till 10 o’clock. Went to Spades. It rained and hailed. Sewed some for Mrs. Spade. Mr. Spade was not at home. We was afraid.

Apr. 15, Thurs. Arose. Finished my sewing. Walked home. We had three masons & five carpenters. The girls was glad I came home. At night went to John C.’s store to see the new goods. Came home very tired.

Apr. 16, Fri. Arose. Ann & I commenced cleaning the parlor. Old lady came in and said, “you don’t know me. Said J. Dull not tell you.” It was Mrs. Hart. Dr. came and tore my dress. He wanted to see if it was rotten. At night Mr. H. came. I was very glad to see him.

Apr. 17, Sat. Didn’t rise very early. Went up to the store. C. came home with me. I was happy. At night went to Prayer Meeting. Came home pretty tired. Didn’t retire till 11 o’clock.

Apr. 18, Sun. Am at home. Went to the Bethel Church. Came home. C. went off. I was sorry to part with him. Was lonely without him. Went to class at night, and freely repented of all the sins I had committed.

Apr. 19, Mon. Arose. Milked. Went to spinning. Spun all day. At night was tired. It rained. The carpenters had all gone home but one. I retired to rest without reading my Bible. Oh, am I prepared to meet my God, is the language of my heart.

Apr. 20, Tues. Arose. Commenced spinning, but my mind was wandering far away. Spun till dark. Cut out a basque, and sewed till 9. Read a chapter in the Bible and it aroused me to a sense of my duty, feeling that I did not serve God enough.

Apr. 21, Wed. Arose. Comb my hair. Went to John C’s to tend store. Was very busy part of the time. Stayed till it was dark. Was afraid. Went home. We had a few men at work. They quit at 9 o’clock. Retired at 11 o’clock.

Apr. 22, Thurs. This morning spun a while. Went to the store. Came back went to spinning. After dinner tended store for J. C. He came up and told me why he said one thing and did another. At night C. came.

Apr. 23, Fri. Arose at 5 o’clock. C. started home. It was very lonely after he was gone. Long to be with him. Prayed that he would arrive home safe. Think of the time when he will be with me again.

Apr. 24, Sat. Arose. Rebecca went to Wilkes-Barre. I tended store for J. Cawley. Was very lonesome. It is cold. It snowed. At three, went to the P.O., did not get any papers. Came very tired.

Apr. 25, Sun. At home. Went to 9 o’clock Sunday School. Have a class. Was very cold, had no fire. Stayed for Prayer Meeting. Went to old Mr. Hart’s. Stayed a few moments. At night Rev. & Mrs. T. came here. Went to church. H. D. waited on me.

Apr. 26, Mon. Arose. Went to spinning. Spun until breakfast was ready. Mr. & Mrs. Shannon came. Sat in the room until they started home. At night was tired. Was thinking of my not living as I ought. Hope to do better.

Apr. 27, Tues. Mother called me. I arose late. Went to clerk for J. C. Was very lonesome. Went to J. Carter’s for my dinner, then came up to the store till John came. Went home. Oh, am I any better prepared to die. God forgive me.

Apr. 28, Wed. Arose. Got breakfast. The carpenters came after breakfast, while I was baking. Mr. Cawley came. Sat sewing. Mr. Wolfe came. Thought of Della getting married, praying that she might be happy.

Apr. 29, Thurs. God has spared and watched me during the night. Arose. Got breakfast. My mind was wandering to one that was absent, thinking how soon we should meet, praying that he might be kept from danger.

Apr. 30, Fri. Am at home. Helpt bake the cakes before dinner. Baked some alone after dinner. It was night. Oh, that I had lived as a Christian ought. May my dear sister recover her sight.

May 1, Sat. Arose. Della went to tend store. J.C. went after his sister, took Frank along. Was very busy until noon. Miss Cawley came. I got supper. She was very bashful.

May 2, Sun. May this day be spent alright. Went to Sabbath School, taught a class. Stayed until Prayer Meeting. Had class. I did not stay. Hitched the horses, drove out to Walkers. What folly.

May 3, Mon. Arose. Della & I caught the turkey. Worked very hard. Della went to the store. I went to catch the _____ . Went to mill after flour. Papa went and fought fire.

May 4, Tues. Am at home. Arose pretty early. Was busy in the forenoon. Evan & Lib. came after dinner. The preacher came at 3. Della was married. Felt very solemn. At night we took a ride. Dr. Caselberry played on the melodeon. It was very late when went to bed.

May 5, Wed. Arose. Mother called. Mr. Shannon is here yet. It is very rainy. I went over the river came back at 7. I sat at the window sewing and looking for C. My mind was wandering & looking for the future.

May 6, Thurs. Arose. Did not feel very well. Baked. Sat in the room with C. Mother called, said I should hurry. She did not know that he was in. He left in a hurry. Gave me a pair of gloves. Oh, what parting, but may we meet to part no more.

May 7, Fri. Arose. Got breakfast. Went to spinning after dinner. Helpt paint window sash for the store. How happy I am in being useful to my parents for I know not how long they may be spared. If they were only saved.

May 8, Sat. Arose. Made the bed. Swept the chamber. Mother called me to set the bread to rise. Thinking had I someone to tell me how to serve God alright, for I told a lie. My God forgive. Have sincerely repented.

May 9, Sun. Awoke. My nose was bleeding. I was very early, read a half an hour. Got ready to drive over to Cawleys. Was afraid one horse going to buck, like to threw us out. M. & D. jumped out. J.C. was angry.

May 10, Mon. At Cawley’s. Went with R.C. & H. Cline to J.C.’s. Had my fortune tole. Am to get married before 2 years. Had some fun. Went to Mr. Kerns. Came home. It rained. Expected Mr. Caselberry, he didn’t come.

May 11, Tues. Am at Cawley’s. It is very rainy. I am very lonesome. Read a while but was thinking of the absent. Could hardly pass time away. Came to my room, made my bed, read in the Bible.

May 12, Wed. Arose. It is still raining. Wanted to walk out, it rained, so we couldn’t. After dinner went to see Rose Stare. Enjoyed myself. It cleared off at night. We went to a prayer meeting. Came home at 11. Retired to rest.

May 13, Thurs.<