Bessie’s Transcript

Below is a transcript of the whole diary with my annotations along the side. If I was unsure of a word, I used the * symbol. I always kept the spelling that she used. Many of the people are explained in Bessie’s The People page, but many of them were impossible to find.

A birth-day present from Jimmie to Bessie Dunklee

St. Paul

Minn

Mar 5- 1886

January 

Thursday 7

Almanac calendar

1½ Hand for R pants

Bed spread

See plaid remnants for R’s suit

Dress for myself 9 yards

Roy’s cap + J’s shirt

Popcorn or fruit 

Diary for his book

Friday 8

36b

J got home after 3 this morning. Hall come + did the chores. Dep. Sheriff came a little after 10 so J got up. I got him something to eat.

Saturday 9 (Sunday written in pencil above)

14b to zero

J got home 2:15 this morning. I got up at 7:30 + started the fire then milked at 8 + fed the horse + cow. Frank Hall came up at 11 o’clock + asked if the cow had been milked, he was drunk. J got up 11:30. I got dinner then he went downtown. I would hitch up but thought it too cold for Pearl. I sent up after the horse. I washed the children. J came home about 7 o’clock.

Sunday 10 (Sunday crossed out and Monday written above)

24 b

I got up 10 min to 6. J got up about 6:15 + milked. I got breakfast then began washing. I got done by 12 but took till 2 to do up all the work. Frank Hall come up to do the chores but I had done every thing my self. J came home 12:20 tonight.

Monday 11 (Tues written above)

My wood came but I didn’t iron. I got up 6:15 + started the fire + milked at 7. Got 4 gls. 12 oclock 24° above.

Wednesday 20

Jimmie’s birthday. 25 years old. I did not give him any thing. I could not get away to get any thing for him. I don’t care for he never got me any thing on my birthday last year.

Thursday 21

I was ironing and about 10 oclock, C + Belle + her baby came. C went home on the 1:30 buss. I went as far as Mullens on the buss with her. I got a white oil cloth + a blue veil for Pearle.

Saturday 30

Jim Dunklee is a queer man, he always 

Sunday 31

Written May 13, 8:30pm

You bet J is a queer man. Whatever he does is all right, but I do all wrong. Yesterday, I took $5.25 out of his pockets + went over town + only spent the 25. Last night he said I could have the 5, to get a new hat for my self, as mine made my head ache so, but this morning he just took

February

Monday 1

The 5: himself + now is off riding with that miserable Jim Cogn* + I can stay at home + go without things while he can take it + blow it all in for nothing + tell me “oh paid bills.”

Never mind

You bet if he was just 1/10 part as saving as I he would not be owing 

Tuesday 2

one man a single cent but as it goes I suppose he will never be out of debt. I’m sure if he would try to be a little saving I could deny my self any thing + not say a word to try + help along to get out of debt, but as it is, he can spend money here + there + always has it, only when I ask for a nickel or dime then “I haven’t any.” I suppose

Wednesday 3

When he comes home (if he does) he won’t have a cent. + last night he said it was the last time he’d be out. That he’d or they had enough of it. That they would not ask for him again.

Thursday 4

Pearle is one year old today. Belle gave her a baby pin for the bib.

(The space where Saturday 20 should be is cut out. It reappears next month)

March

Friday 5

12° to below 36a partly cloudy

My birthday. Jimmie give this book to me today. He come home about 6:30 for supper + brought that catalogue I sent to Gros. Bros. Carrie Hart came over. I let her make some molasses candy. Mrs. Mortensen was in a few minutes. Pearl can almost stand alone but won’t try to walk. J + I sat up till after 10 oclock talking. 

Saturday 6

13a partly clear + partly cloudy 46a

Got up 7:30. Pearle was very hoarse last night. She had a bad coughing spell in the night. Began taking milk from Brady. I put P to bed 9:00 + got ready to go to a dance at the Liedertafle Hall. J come up after me with a horse + buggy. There was not much of a crowd there. Mr C. Myers there + Geo. Hevitt* + his wife. Myers brought Mrs. H + I home with his buggy, 2:00. J + G come up. Went to bed 3:00. P was all right when I got home. 

Sunday 7

20 or 22

Snowed about half an inch colder. I got up after 8. Made a jelly cake + got breakfast. The folks got up + ate at 10 oclock. J + G went off to the saloon. I got dinner at 5:00, they did not come back till 6:30. Mrs H run in the front room + G come in + run off. J went a little ways with horse. We went to bed 9 o’clock. Mrs. H waited till 8:15 to see if George would come back. 

Monday 8

Cloudy + tried to snow a little

16a- 23a w wind stormy

I got up 7:30 so I did not wash. Gave Mrs. Brady 1.00 for milk. Got 18 pint* tickets from Grey + Sevy*. (6 eggs) I made a new pillowtick* for the cradle + mended P’s felt shoes. Jimmie came home about 3:30. He built a fire + I got supper. He staided at home till nearly 7 then he went to Lodge. I put the children to bed + read the Dispatch till 8:15. Now goodnight.

Tuesday 9

6a clear w. Wind. 24a clear

Got up 7:00 built a fire + put on water for washing, then soaped the clothes with A.B.C. J got up 8:30, he got home last night 1 o’clock. Got done washing 12 + got through scrubbing 2 o’clock. Mrs. Harlow came but did not stay but a minute. J did not come home to supper. I wrote to K + B + went to bed 9 o’clock. 3 eggs.

Wednesday 10

2a clear E. wind 30a clear

I got up 7 + mixed my bread + got ready to iron. I finished all this forenoon. J got up 10:30. I got his breakfast. He got home last night 2:00. Mrs Harlow wanted me to go down there this PM but I was too tired. I wrote to Mrs. Leach + wrote a song off for her. 3 eggs. Went to bed 8:30. Jim come home about 9 + got him self some supper. He come to bed after 10.

Thursday 11

30a snow till noon 44a cloudy

I got up after 7 + got breakfast then I washed Jim + done the work up. I got out my pieces this PM + made 3 log cabin blocks. Mrs. Mortensen come in + stayed a few minutes. I put the clothes away. Got 5 eggs. My big hen laid in the wood shed in the box with corn. I was undressing to go to bed 8:10. J came. I got him some supper.

Friday 12

2a clear 40a

It clouded up about 12 + began to snow 2 oclock real hard. Then cleared off a little + clouded up again + snowed. I got 3 eggs. I made 2 levnen* pies + jelly cake, + swept front room + dusted. This PM I made one log cabin block. J came home 8 o’clock. I got some supper for him. We went to bed 10 oclock. P walked quite a ways by the wall + pushing a chair.

Saturday 13

10a clear.

J got up 7:15 + built a fire. I washed everything up, the 2 children + my self. Pearle walks around by holding on to things. J come home about 6:30. I got supper. Chas. Meyer drove up for him + he went off. I scrubbed the floor. Mamie* came over + we played cards till 10: then I finished scrubbing. Went to bed 11.

Sunday 14

20-32. P walked from the kitchen to bedroom. I got up 15 to 7. It was snowing then stoped + began again then stopped. Cloudy all day. After I got all fixed up I went to the barn + heard some one come in + C, Joe, Mary, + Mr Brewer + little Eva was here. C + M went down after Jim. I had dinner at 2:30, C helped me + Joe + C washed the dishes. I had a splendid visit with them. J come up 7:15 to go to church, but P would not go to sleep. Went to bed 9.

Monday 15

22a clear no wind 42a clear

I got up 7:40, built the fire + put on wash water. It is a lovely day. Got clothes to soak 9 + Mrs Crocker came in + staid half an hour. Mrs Mortensen came in after. I got white clothes rubbed but she took P home with her + brought her back while I was putting clothes out. After I got done, Val* Schwartz + Nett* Th*** came. Wrote something for V. then cleared up.

Clear thawed lots

Tuesday 16

30a 41a

J got up + built the fire. I done all the ironing this forenoon. P walked out of doors by holding on the side of the house. She stood alone a few minutes for me. I wrote to Hat + Mother + Belle this PM. I got 3 eggs. There is a big pond of water + I let it off in a drain. I went to bed 8:10. J come home soon after. I got up + got him some supper. Bed 10.

Wednesday 17

36a cloudy rained quite a little 41

J got up + built the fire a few minutes after 7. I done up the work + put new sleeves in 2 of P’s dresses. My back ached all day.

9:7.13:7..12.9:16.16.12.3:15.14.23.12

It thundered twice terribly loud + lightening. 4 eggs. I went to bed 8 oclock. J got home 10 o’c I guess + got himself something to eat.

Thursday 18

30a cloudy 41 cloudy

Jim got up + built the fire. I mended all day. Mrs. M come in a few minutes. Made some graham pudding for dinner + boiled two eggs. P walks around by chairs yet. I put her new shoes on her. J come home just as I was getting ready to go to bed. I got his supper. He bought a pair of rubbers for Roy. 5 eggs.

Friday 19

30a cloudy + a little drizzly + rained a little last night. I scrubbed + made 2 pies apple + custard + made a cakes. Roy thinks his rubbers are grand, said they were “sweet.” J come home 12 o’clock + broiled him self some steak. I went to bed 9 o’clock. This afternoon it thundered + began to snow little round drops like pills. 2 eggs.

Saturday 20 (she pasted the cut out section from February 20 here over the March 20 entry. She wrote underneath it too, but I can’t see anything)

28a or 32a cloudy I read thots* on Rev. + psalms

I got up 8: snowing like little pills then half rained, then settled in for a big snow storm + snowed thick + fast all day. I went after some cra*. My lame hen was in the shed. I took her to barn. Snow over my over shoes. J come home about 7:30. He had been to supper. It is snowing + drifting terribly all night too. 4 eggs. 

Sunday 21

24a clear W wind 44a clear

I made roads to the barn + shed. Nothing today. P took 5 steps alone. It was warm today out of the wind. She took a nap in the PM so did not go to bed till 8. Roy went to bed 7. I went to bed 9. J come home about 12:30 + woke me up + I could not go to sleep till after 3 o’clock.

Monday 22

14a clear 40a clear

I got up a little after 6 + put on wash water then dressed the children + put clothes to soak. Got done rubbing a little after 9. Got white clothes all on line 10:30. J got up then + I got something to eat. Got all through washing 12: + done up work 1:30. I must write to Mary. Got supper 5:30. I made soda biscuits. J come 6:30. I got supper for him. He staid with babys. I went down to Tracy’s. 2 eggs.

Tuesday 23

22a clear E wind

J got up 15 to 7 + built the fire. I did all the ironing though by 12, baking bread. Letter from Belle + K. Well, I forgot what else today. It is Mar 28 when I write this.

Wednesday 24

36 clear 58 clear

I scrubbed. It is a beautiful day. I made 2 log cabin blocks + let P walk out on the porch + walk with her cloak + hood on. Tom Parmer drove by with his girl. J drove up with Gibbons. He got his note + mortgage. J come home at night with the bull dog. The dog was thick with mud. He got mad because I told him not to let him in so he got his own supper. I went to bed 7:30 oclock.

Thursday 25

Wind West wind

C come just as I got done with the work. While I got dinner, she went down to the saloon after J. She took Roy along. J come up to dinner. He gave me 15 cs for buss + st car + I got ready + C + I went to Minpls. Got at Joe’s about 4 o’clock. They were all glad to see us. Joe + I + Mary + C played euchre till 10:30 then we went to bed about 11.

Friday 26

Nothing unusual. We visited all day + Mary played on the piano. Roy + Eva would not play together nice. She would yell if he came near her + he would not go out it was too cold. He took a nap PM + woke up cross.

Saturday 27

Cold cloudy

I can’t enjoy my self very much. The young ones bother me so. I’m afraid they’ll do something they ought not to do. Fran* Llewellyn Hall came over + took Mary out riding before dinner. Frank came over 4 while we were eating supper. Jim come in a hack[HK[29] . Frank went home 9. J went as far as St. Car + met Llewellyn + came back. He cut up awfully all night.

Sunday 28

Cloudy snowed about 2 + rained all PM

J + I got up little after 7. Joe was just up. Mary played the piano. Proff* went to church. While eating dinner, B + K + Anna came. After about 2:30 I began to get ready to go home. We started about 3 + just got to car in tunis* + to the depot in time. Got in StP + took hack for home. My dear Jimmie built fires in 2 stoves + then he was so good. He run off + left me here all alone till 8:00. Went to bed 20 past 10. J returned.

Monday 29

20 cloudy + snowing

Snow about an inch or 2 deep. 2 of my hens are gone. Siniky* + a big red one. I made bread + cleaned up. Now must wash my self. P has a tooth through. One beside the 2 front lower ones, making 7 in all.

Tuesday 30

Clear

I washed today. While washing, Johnnie M came + staid till J got up + then they went off.

Wednesday 31

Ironed all the clothes. Mrs. Sueth + Mrs Yorkey came up + spent the afternoon. They staid till 5 o’clock.

April

Thursday 1

Stormy wind cold.

I scrubbed

Friday 2

I got a letter from C. I boiled a chicken for dinner. While washing dishes Mrs Brody came + staid till 6. Then C came down. We talked till 10. J didn’t come home.

Saturday 3

Clear

C + I visited PM. I went down town + got some maple sugar + radishes + 3 oranges. Coming back I saw such a pretty baby buggy in a wagon. When I come home it was at my gate. J had sent it for me. It is so pretty + large. J came home 8:30 with 3 oranges. I got supper for him.

Sunday 4

Clear 36

Got up 8 o’clock. Breakfast 9. C swept floors + got ready + went to church. I took Pearl in the carriage + showed her the way. She came back + I made some wax. 2 o’c, C went home. I took P in the buggy + (Roy walked) I went almost to the bridge. There was such a crowd on the sidewalk. J came home 8 o’c. I washed both children + put them to bed. Mrs. Mitchell’s* funeral today.

Monday 5

Clear 48

Began washing after 8. Got white clothes on line 12. Got all done + swept 2, then ironed all of the plain clothes + 3 of P’s dresses by 3 o’clock.

Tuesday 6

Clear 52

Scarcely no wind. I scrubbed + baked + ironed this PM. I took P in her carriage + Roy + I walked down to Tracey’s + down past Jim’s. He said fellow Geo. is Papa to home.” We went to see Mr. Gallagher a while then came back home. Roy stopped in + got a drink of gingerale. J came home a little after 7 o’clock. We went to bed 9:30.

Wednesday 7

40 clear 58 clear

No wind to speak of little east wind. I was getting ready to take a walk + J come up 1:30 to get ready to go to Lou. Mitchell’s funeral. He was Paul bearer. I went down to Mrs. Sueth’s. They were sitting out in the yard. We staid out all the time. I worked a little at Rick rack. Came home 5:30 + got supper but J didn’t come.

Thursday 8

Clear 64

Strong E wind

Friday 9

Cloudy 40 cloudy 60

PM I went down + left a note for Jim to come home early. He did. We had P walking alone. She would walk a long ways. We got ready + went to the Baptist supper on Maple syrup. Nearly all were strangers to me. Sprinkled a very little.

Saturday 10

Cloudy

This afternoon J come up with Retta Dunklee. I did some baking. We sat up till 11 then she + I went to bed. She slept with me. Jim + John came 3:30. They went to bed at 5 oclock in the morning. P has new double tooth above + new lower one. 9. P walks around a little alone. 

Sunday 11

Cloudy

Retta + I got up a little after 7. It tried to rain a little. Boys said they’d be back by to get dinner but they never came or sent a rig so we took P in her carriage for a walk across the bridge + back to the livery + got a horse + buggy + took a big ride on Summit Ave. + up 7th St. Back by 6. John was here. The men got in + ate. Retta + John went to see Dell. All came back together about 11.

Monday 12

Clear Cloudy

Got up late. Afternoon I scrubbed the floor + Retta + I went down to take Dell’s letter to her. Met J. He gave me a water proof silk rubber circular. We went to the store + meat market. I weigh 113 lbs + R 110 lbs. We got supper + the men never came at all. P walks alone a good deal.

Tuesday 13

I washed. Jim + John didn’t get home till after 3 o’clock this morning. They didn’t wait for breakfast. About 11:30, John come back for Retta to go on his way to Michigan. J got back about 5:30. Rained a little shower then harder than shower.

Wednesday 14

70

It rained pretty much all night. Sharp lightening + a big tornado up as* cloud. Tonight as I put the children to bed it stormed fearful hard. J came home about 7:30.

Thursday 15

Clear E wind 70

PM I took the clock down town + got a new minute hand put on + got a hat + apron for Roy. Got back 4. Soon after, Mrs brits* came in + staid a little while. J got home 7 oclock. I got him some supper. P walked all alone around in the yard. I didn’t nurse P all day today.

Friday 16

Cloudy 68

Rainy this forenoon. I scrubbed the kitchen. P can walk alone a cross the room + all around.

Saturday 17

Warm. I took a bath + put on my thin under-clothes. Washed both of the children + read.

Can’t think of any thing else.

9. 13.23.. 5.7.16.7.13.3.14.9.7.

4.94.. 14.21.16.. 7.20.20.3.7.18.. 

Sunday 18

Warm. J got ready + went down to get shaved. He came back 1 o’clock. We got ready + went down to Yorkey’s. They had not been to dinner. J ate. Yorkey’s brother was there. Mr + Mrs Sueth came over. The men played ball. I staid till after 6 then come home. J come behind me. He stoped + got some oysbrs* + corn + crackers + peck*.

Monday 19

76

We got up 6. I washed. Got through early for me. Children + I went down town + stopped in at Mullens. Saw Miss Henley. Had a little visit. She said her sister has 3 boys, last one born 3 of Apr. J came home early for supper. Sprinkled a very little bit. P has been walking every where for a week.

Tuesday 20

Clear 80a

I ironed finished by 10:30. I made 2 pair of gingham pants for Roy. P walked all around in the yard. Anna Winchill* took her for a while.

All** to  br**y Roy’s parasol.

Wednesday 21

80

Jim didn’t get home last night till 11 o’clock. I scrubbed the kitchen then put on my light calico dress. Wrote to Katie. Made 2 pair of gingham pants for Roy + partly an apron. Set hen in the shed with the dark hens eggs. 14 or 15 eggs.

Thursday 22

I forgot yes. I made an apron for Roy.

Mr. Harlow here a few minutes in the PM.

Set speckled hen in barrel with her eggs 13.

Friday 23

40a

I raked in the yard this forenoon. It clouded up + got cold + rained 3 or 4 showers. Mr. White came. I made some tapioca cream. Jim didn’t come home till 11 o’clock.

Saturday 24

34a 50

I built a fire in the coal stove + washed R + P + my self. I bought 10c apples. Took 10c from Roy’s box.

I went to bed 8:30. 9 oclock I heard some one come in. It was C. She and I sat up till 11 + talked.

Sunday 25

Little clear + cloudy cold

C went to church. We did not go any where.

I went down to Tracey’s + got corn + soap

Monday 26

Cloudy

I washed. Blew awful hard. C went over town to post letters. I sent a letter to K. I ironed all the clothes but J’s shirts this PM + baked bread. I nursed P twice in the night tonight.

Tuesday 27

Raining when I got up + stayed pretty much all day. Ironed J’s shirts, went to Tracy’s.

P did not want to nurse at all tonight or didn’t. Mrs. Brady went to Michigan tonight

Ask for it

Wednesday 28

Clear 48 cloudy rather cold

I scrubbed the floor 

15.14.23.3.12.12.. Mrs. Harlow came. I went to Kents after meat. Got weighed 111. Roy 32. Got ink + c at Tracy’s. Mrs. Bradley called to me as I went by asked me to come to see her. Rained in the PM. J come home 15 to 6 + staid at home all evening

Thursday 29

47

Rained all night + rainy this morning + rained nearly all AM

9. 7.13.. 18.3.7.12. 6.7.4.. 25.9.16.8..

13.23.17.9.5.11.14.3.17.17 

Friday 30

Clear

Didn’t do much today. We sat out in the yard. C crochet + I sewed on my rick rack.

J come home to supper.

May

Saturday 1

Clear

Nothing new this forenoon. About noon, C went down to the livery + got a horse + buggy + drove up to Minneapolis. We stopped at Belle’s. I got out + staid in a few min. Then we drove to Mc Ave. Stopped there then drove over to Joe’s. She was gone. We stopped in. I got something to eat then got back home at 20 to 7. We drove up to where the children were playing + saw Mary at the asylum. J drove up with D. Bradley. Didn’t come back till 2 oclock. He went to the dance at Liedertafel Hall.

Sunday 2

Cloudy

Rained some.

9. 7.13.. 2.12.21.23.9.14.8.. 23.3.16 

I got up after 9. P slept good last night. I took a bath. Didn’t do anything. About 6 oclock I made maple sugar wax on ice.

Monday 3

Clear 67

J came home 2 oclock AM. I got up 6, put wash-water on, hanging up cloths, 10:. C got a letter from Joe. She went up to Minpls. Started little after 10. I scrubbed the floor ---

9. 2.12.21.25.. 7.. 12.9.16.16.12.3..

Done all the ironing but J’s shirt + got pail of spring water. I heard a little chicken peeping in its shell but its not out yet.

16.8.18.21.15.1.8.. 2.12.21.23.. 9.16.21.21.

11.. 21.2.2.. 5.12.21.16.8.. 13.7.18.. 

Tuesday 4

Clear 46 clear 60

Got up 7:30. J gave Pearl a gold dollar. 2 little chickens are out. One black + yellow-black. J come home for dinner. He brought 2 fellows with him. He went off after dinner. 4 chickens are out. 11.. 13.7.18..

J got home 1 o’clock last night. An organ grinder came. I gave him a nickel.

Wednesday 5

Clear 68

A lovely day. Scarcely any wind. C did her washing. J come home about 6:30. He wrote out a check for $10 + gave me. I worked a little at my rick rack. Only 5 chickens out. I brought this in + fed them.

Thursday 6

Clear 46 or 8 58

Rather cold all day. I went down cellar + sprouted 2 bbl* full of potatoes + swept + cleaned the cellar. PM C went over town + came back 6. J got home 6:30. He brought some fish + radishes. He bet me a nickel he knows who was here. He lost the bet. He gave me 2 5’s + 2 50’s making $1.10. After supper he went down to the saloon.

Friday 7

Cloudy Clear 72

Rained a little but soon cleared off. I went over town half past 12 + got back half past 4. I went to the bank of Minn to get my check cashed then went up to Dickinsons to do my tracking*. I let my little chicks out. Only 4, one died in its nest. Willie Doran’s horse ran away + tipped the way on over in front of the gate. W got his arm broke. I set a hen this morning on 13 eggs. 

Saturday 8

Cloudy 60

Raining. Rained nearly all day. Cleared off about 4 oclock. My little chicks are growing. My things came this PM. I built a fire in coal stove. J brought some lettuce with him.

Sunday 9

Raining began about I forgot when, but was cold + clouds all day. I had roast beef for dinner + asparagus dinner at 6. J brought his bartender up. They went back + J come back in about half an hour. C went to Minneap. 10:. P has 10 teeth.

Monday 10

Cloudy, rainy but stopped

I got up 6. Washed. It began to rain before all got dried, but I brought them in. I scrubbed + baked + did all this morning but J’s 2 shirts. J came home early. He brought some lettuce. J burnt a lot of letters he wrote me about 3 years ago.

Tuesday 11

Clear guess 66

We got up 7 oclock. I ironed J’s shirts. Both of the children went to sleep. I cut out apron for Roy + cut out dress for P. Worked on my rick rack PM. Harry is sick. It is 9 oclock + J has not come home yet so I’ll go to bed.

Rained tonight in the night. I didn’t hear it. J is out having a yovel* time while I am here all alone.

Wednesday 12

Big rain tonight about 8, 74 or 6

Well, Jim never got home till after 6 o’clock this morning. I got up at 7, got something to eat + got ready + went over town. Wheeled P over + R walked both ways. Got home + Mrs. Sueth came in + a few minutes after, C + Mary Brewer drove up. They had Mary. C came after her things. I went as far as Mrs. H with Mrs. S came home by Tracy. Met J. He did not speak. He come home about 7:30. I got supper.

Thursday 13

Stormy wind S 76

We got up about 7. J went over. He bought me half doz oranges. I cleaned out pantry + baked bread. I boiled Harry some meat + fed him twice. Took hen off in the shed with 6 chickens. Speckled hen has some. A man put a letter box on my lamp post. I helped him put it on. 7o’c, I went down to get Jim to come to see to his dog. He wasn’t there. Bartender sent a man, but he would not touch him, so I put the collar + chain on + Billy Bradley put him in the shed. He acts fearfully. J is out riding with Cogn.

Friday 14

Cloudy + clear 54

J got home last night 11 o’clock + Jim Cogn killed Harry. They took him out in the country. I got up + got him some supper. Didn’t go to bed until after 1 o’clock. I scrubbed the floor + cleaned out the bed room. PM Mrs Yorkey + Mrs Beek were here. Staid about an hour. I took speckled hen off with 5 chickens. J got home 2 oclock.

Saturday 15

Cloudy + clear 42 54

Got up late. I ate bread + milk. I found one of speckled chickens dead. PM I went down to Cliffords store to see them bake with wheat baking powder. It was very nice. I got a can + took no chance on the cake. Come home nearly 5. Come up the hill by the spring. Met Henry Beck. Pearl is beginning to talk but she began long ago. I forgot to make a note of it. I wrote to Mother + Hatt. Well it is after 9 oclock + Jim hasn’t come yet. I suppose he went till 2 or 3 oclock. That’s all he cares for me. Oh he gave me a $5.00 gold piece this morning.

Sunday 16

Clear 50 60 clear

I got up about 8 oclock + cleaned up + got ready + went down to the butcher shop + got some steak + lard. Come back 10:30 + got breakfast. Then Jim got up. He got home 10: to 5 this morning. This evening he brought some ice cream. I wrote a letter to Retta. J staid at home all day today, isn’t he getting good. I wonder how long it will last. I wonder what time he will get home tomorrow night + yet he thinks he is so awful good.

Monday 17

Got up late. Didn’t get at the washing till 9 oclock. PM I baked + ironed. I can’t think of anything else. Just as I was starting, it rained a little.

Jimmie come home early.

Tuesday 18

I ironed starched clothes. Mrs Harlow was up this evening.

Wednesday 19

80

I cleaned out the front room. Scrubbed the floor + took up carpet + cleaned it + put it back + did every thing. Got done by 6 oclock. I got 2 boxes of strawberries today for 25. Mollie back + Martha. McCoy was here a little while.

Thursday 20

Didn’t do any thing but got ready + went down to Mullins Store + got some curtains for my bedroom. I got a hat + come home + hung up one of the curtains. J come home early enough.

Friday 21

I guess 80

I scrubbed the kitchen. It looked like rain but only rained a little. I didn’t do any thing only baked bread + worked a little on Rickrack. Jim come home real early + brought asparagus + spinach.

Saturday 22

82

Clear. I took a bath + washed both of the children.

Sunday 23

J went off + that’s all I can remember I guess. About dark or 7:30 or 7, it clouded up + blew terribly but only sprinkled a very little bit.

Monday 24

Washed. Didn’t iron any. Mrs. Crocker come + sat a while while I was washing.

Tuesday 25

I got up 20 mins to 5. Got J’s breakfast + began ironing. I got dinner for J. Boiled salt pork with spinach + potatoes + cooked asparagus. He said he’d bring some one to help move the stove but he didn’t 

Wednesday 26

I went down to Sueth’s + took their rooster home to them. Introduced to Mr. + Mrs. Jones.

J gave Tracy Bros. $25.00

Thursday 27

I went down to Mullens to get my hat. They had sold it, so I picked out another one but didn’t like it. Got 2 yds of emb. for 35c. 

A machine agent was here. J come home with a new suit of clothes. He got ready to go to Duluth but J Parmer drove up + said they wern’t to go.

Friday 28

I baked bread + cake. J came home 9 oclock + got ready + went to Duluth.

Terribly dusty

Saturday 29

Mullen sent my hat up but I don’t like it.

Sunday 30

I made tapioca cream about 11:30. C + Mary came + staid till 5:30. I bought 30c worth of ice cream from the man on this side. It was not a bit good.

Awfully dusty

Monday 31

82

I got up 10 to 5 + began washing. Baked + ironed this PM. Done up lavon* dress.

I went to bed 8 before 8 oclock.

June

Tuesday 1

64

It began to rain in the night + was raining this morning. It rained 2 very hard showers. It thundered twice awful hard. I finished ironing + took the coal stove down + put it in the closet under the stairs. All alone too, something J couldn’t do. I got a letter from him this AM. I would write to him but he won’t have time to get it. He said he would be home tomorrow eve.

5 weeks

Wednesday 2

50

I got up 6:20. It was very cold. I began to clean the dining room. Got all the wood work + windows washed by noon. Then I took up the carpet + washed the floor + put carpet down again. Got half done when C + Mary drove up 3:00. They staid a few minutes. Then I changed the clock + finished up. Mrs. H was up a few minutes. It is not 15 min to 9 + Jimmie hasn’t come yet. Guess he won’t come at all tonight. J come home 9:15. I was just putting the lights out.

Thursday 3

I left P + R at Mortensens + went down to Mullens to get my hat changed but couldn’t but got a different flower for it. Cora Winchell came in a few minutes this eve. 

J didn’t come home till nearly 3 oclock in the morning.

Friday 4

I got up 7:30. Breakfast 9. 2 machine agents came then came again in the afternoon. Mullen an agent for the Singer. Brought a machine here last night. I made a white skirt for P.

Saturday 5

An agent bro’t another Singer here. Mrs. Harlow was up to see if I was going to meeting. J promised to take me over town + he didn’t come at all. I think he is just as mean as mean can be.

Sunday 6

Jim staid at home till about noon. I dressed Roy up + he took him down town + staid till 2:30. He brought back Carl Evensen. I got dinner. Carl went home 6. Bought 25c worth of ice cream. J + I went to church in the evening.

Monday 7

Got up after 5 a little + put on water + put my clothes to soak. It was quite cool. A lovely day. No wind. I sewed in the PM.

Tuesday 8

I ironed the plain clothes + part of the starched ones + sewed in the PM. At noon, J come up with Willie Hall. I got dinner. W. come back with J + staid all night.

J said he had sworn off drinking for 1 year.

Wednesday 9

Baked bread + finished ironing starched clothes. 2 oclock I got 15c worth of ice cream. It was the best I ever had.

Willie + J come 7 I guess + went down to the saloon but come back in half an hour.

J brought me *** strawberries.

Thursday 10

Sewed. I can’t think of any thing else. I scrubbed.

Friday 11

92

The agents came + took away the machine. I broke the needle in the other so couldn’t sew any more. I baked bread. Went over to Mortensens in PM + worked the button holes in R’s apron.

J brought home a lot of strawberries

Saturday 12

I was up a good deal with P last night. She had or nearly had the croup. J was sick too I guess. It was fearful not all night. I got up 6 oclock + got breakfast. Letter from Mother. I took a bath but am as hot as ever. I took off the little Dark hen with 11 chickens. She lays right there in the barn with them.

Sunday 13

(empty)

Monday 14

Washed

Tuesday 15

Ironed some

Wednesday 16

Ironing starched clothes. A man came in + said some one wanted to see me. I went out + Mary was in a hack by the gate. She had Myrtle with her. She brought some gooseberries with her.

Jim promised to take us out a riding tomorrow at 10 oclock.

Thursday 17

J come for us about 3 oclock with a 2 seated carriage. Dave Killan was with him but he got out. We went all over StP. went over to Hurtts + back + went into the cave saloon. Home by 6

Friday 18

J took us up to Minneapolis about 10:30 or 11. We went to I.A. Minnehaha Falls[HK[65] . Stopped + saw the falls + had ice cream + cake. I got to C’s about 2 or 1:30. C got us a lunch. We went up to Seus*. Mary did some shopping. Came out + it was raining. We drove over to Joe’s + ate supper + staid till 6:30. Home by 8 or 8:15. M + I shelled some peas.

Saturday 19

I got up early + cooked new potatoes + peas. We got ready to go over to the depot + it began to rain. Took P over to Mortensens + we went down on the buss. I saw M*g on the train + got back just in time for my buss.

Sunday 20

Jim gone all day. He went up to Minneapolis this PM

Monday 21

I got up too late to wash. Hattie came down about 9:30.

PM we went down to Mrs. Harlows. It rained very hard while we were there. Got home 5 + got supper.

Tuesday 22

I washed

H went over town. She got some berries + I made a shortcake. It was good.

Wednesday 23

Ironed till noon

Thursday 24

J began on his wa**

I got dinner + made part of my calico dress.

Friday 25

Jim is fearful cranky. I got up 5. I guess he wants me to get up at 3 but he can lay + sleep. Ironed his shirt + cooked beets eggs cabbage + made a shortcake for dinner. Got a pail of water + was busy every minute but Jim says I don't do any thing.

Saturday 26

(empty)

Sunday 27

Rained cool

J went down town. He got back about 4 oclock.

Monday 28

Washed. Had to get dinner.

Tuesday 29

I was ironing when J’s mother came. J drove up with a horse + buggy after supper. He took me out riding over town. I got a pair of slippers at Kaiser*. We got back to bridge square. A man was Eatmi* Collin + selling tooth powder. 2 bands were playing.

Wednesday 30

Very hot

I didn’t iron. J’s mother come quite early. I went to the buss with her with P + her buggy. I had to ran down to State St. to get it. I come back up that hill + stopped into Bradleys a while.

July

Thursday 1

Very hot

I got up 10 minutes to 5 oclock. Got breakfast. J went over to the depot to meet Hiram. They come 9:30. I finished ironing. P is sick.

Friday 2

I had peas + new potatoes for dinner + made a blueberry pie. 

J come just as I was through eating. He came after supper was over too. Singer machine agent here. J paid him $5.00

Saturday 3

Rained in the night some + thundered terribly. It was some cloudy + some sun. Very hot 

I had butter beans for dinner. I made a ripe current pie. J didn’t come to dinner. Pearl is better. Katie come down just as we were going to bed.

Sunday 4

Terrible hot. J said he’d come + take me to the camp meeting but couldn’t.

He come home about 4 or 5. I got oysb-* supper.

Monday 5

Fearful hot

I washed. B + Eddie + their baby come about 10 oclock. I put out the white clothes + got dinner. Fearful hot. J didn’t come till 6:30. B + Ed went at 6. J went to see the fire works. They weren’t much for we didn’t see it all. 

Tuesday 6

Hot

I got up 6. K was mad I didn’t get up earlier to let her off. She started at 6:30. I didn’t wash but starched the white clothes. Went down town in PM.

Wednesday 7

Cooler. I washed colored clothes + scrubbed + put down carpet.

Thursday 8

I ironed till noon

Friday 9

Ironed till noon + made 2 blue berry pies.

Saturday 10

Hot. guess that’s all.

Sunday 11

J was gone all day till 8:30

Monday 12

Washed till 3:30. I was up with Pearl 7 times last night. She is a little better today.

Tuesday 13

Cooler

Ironed till noon. J didn’t come to dinner

PM I wrote to Mother, Carrie + Hattie.

Wednesday 14

J took me down to Dr. Wine* + had all my upper teeth taken out but one. I took ether. He got a horse + buggy + brought me home.

Thursday 15

I went down to the Dentists again + had a little root taken out + the impression taken.

Friday 16

Didn’t go down today. Dentist sent word he wouldn’t be there.

Saturday 17

I went down this PM + had front teeth fitted.

Sunday 18

J went out to Sunfish Lake with his horse + buggy. Johnny was here to dinner. J come home about 7 oclock with Mrs. Yorkie. I drove her home. J + Mr. Y walked down. We drove to Mrs. Sueth’s + around. J + I come home 9:30

Got a cow today. 

Monday 19

Washed

No this day. We was gone to a picnic

Tuesday 20

J took me down to Wines*. My teeth would not fit so he took a new impression. J took Pearl + I over to Dr. Breggs. Dr. B lanced P’s boil, stopped at Lindke’s* + got 10 yds shirting* + pattern for Js night shirt + 2 pr stockings.

Wednesday 21

The above written is for today.

Thursday 22

Wine* sent word up that my teeth weren’t ready + not to come.

Friday 23

Val Schwartz came this morning for J + I to go over to court, but I won’t go. I must get ready + go to the dentists.

(Empty until…)

August

Thursday 5

Frank + Mary came down about 10 oclock. Jim come home to dinner.

F began on my green dress.

Friday 6

Mary + I drove over town. I got 1½ dozen buttons for my dress + 2½ yds table cloth.

Saturday 7

Morarity* boy took cow off today + brought her back.

Worked all day in the kitchen. J got mad because I wanted to rest a little before I got him some supper. It is awful hot.

J is so queer.

Sunday 8

Mary’s 16th birthday. J gave her 1.00. Joe + Mr. B came down about 11 oclock. My face is all swelled up. I looked fearful. Joe went home about 5 oclock. Dust blew fearfully all day.

Monday 9

I washed a little. F finished my green dress. J gave me a check for 12 dollars + also gave me 13.00

(written in red crayon)

#1.50 per doz

Buttons

Tuesday 10

Frank + I went over town to get me a nice dress. We went to Manheimers. Got dress goods + broc. wehat*. Went on 7th St. for buttons got 1½ doz. 1.50 a doz. Afterwards J gave me money for 1 doz more. 2½ doz in all. Got 14 yds crinkled seersucker, 12½ yd.

May went home this eve.

Wednesday 11

I finished washing. I washed a big lot last night.

Thursday 12

Nothing new I guess

Friday 13

I ironed 

I don’t know what. Roy + I went over town. I got more buttons + a hat + plate for Roy.

Saturday 14

(Empty)

Sunday 15

Chicken for dinner. J come after I got done washing the dishes. It was fearful hot all day. We intended to go to church but it was too hot. J got a lot ice cream.

Monday 16

A wash woman come + did all my washing. Was so glad.

Tuesday 17

I finished all the ironing. J come after the dinner* work was all done. 

Wednesday 18

F + I drove over town. She called on her friend Mrs. Geo House. 373 Washington St. Then we drove past Harriet’s + up on Pleasant Ave. + up on the hill + back home by 5.

Thursday 19

I took F over to the depot 9 oclock.

J got home this eve 9 oclock. I was sitting up reading.

Friday 20

I didn’t do any thing. Fixed my calico dress.

(Empty until…)

September

Saturday 25

Jimmy came home this evening. He went down the hill again + brought me a basket of grapes, honey, + sweet potatoes. He staid at home this evening.

Sunday 26

Jimmy drove off this afternoon. O how I wish he had never taken this trip, this dreadful trip. Will I ever forget it.

J promised to come home + go to church with me but he didn’t come at all.

Monday 27

I washed. I’m alone again.

J did not come

Tuesday 28

Ironed

Still alone.

Wednesday 29

Still alone.

Thursday 30

Tonight as I sat down to read 15 min to 7 Jimmy come in. Jimmy so true to me. He said he’s be back by 8:15. I got supper ready + waited + waited + waited till 12 oclock. Oh I would give worlds had he come then. Oh this dreadful night. Will I ever forget it. I hope to. Oh Jim who was so true.

October

Friday 1

And still he did not come. O what has happened him. I think maybe something has happened him. I feel greatly worried which I never felt before.

Saturday 2

As I was dressing Pearl, who should come in but Jimmy. O I felt so glad to see him but could not go up to him. I felt to bad + hurt to think he could leave me alone + ____________ 

Will Jackson came 11 oc. He came home to supper + staid at home. 

Sunday 3

J staid at home till 2 oclock then drove off + came back by 5:30 + took me out riding.

Am I _________

Monday 4

I washed. J come to dinner 1 oclock. He had a beautiful black horse. He took me over town to Dickensons + brought me back again. He come home 12 oclock at night.

Tuesday 5

J come to dinner. Brought Will McFall. I was sick with sore throat but got dinner. He went away + promised sure to be back to supper but he didn’t come. He staid away all night tonight. O where is he.

Wednesday 6

I ironed + began my dress.

O where is Jimmy + when will he come home. O I wish he’d come.

He does not know

Oh he does not know

I never intend to let him see this.

Thursday 7

I am one week a head of time. I have written what happened today + night for last Th.

Oh this awful night. It is not that my lot is low that bids these silent tears to flow. It is not death that bids me moan. Oh it is that I am all alone. Oh Jimmy how could you. Why would you.

Friday 8

This days happenings I wrote last Friday.

Saturday 9

This is the day Jim comes home instead of last Sat.

Jimmy 16.3.12.12.17.. 13.3..

17.21.13.3.16.8.9.14.1..

16.8.7.16.. 6.18.3.7.11.17..

13.23.. 8.3.7.18.16.. 7.14.4..

16.7.11.3.17.. 7.11.11.. 13.23..

8.7.20.20.9.14.3.17.17.7.25.

7.23.. 6.15.16.. 17.16.9.11.11..

9.. 5.7.14.. 6.3.. 8.7.20.20.23..

9.2.. 8.3.. 25.9.11.11.. 21.14.11.23..

17.16.7.23.. 25.9.16.8.. 13.3..

Sunday 10

21.8.!! 5.7.14.. 9.. 3.26.3.18..

16.18.15.16.17.. 8.9.13.. 7.

1.7.9.14..? 23.3.17.. 9.2..

8.3.. 21.14.12.23.19.15.9.16.17..

6.7.4.. 5.21.13.20.7.14.23..

7.14.4.. 17.16.23.17.. 7.16..

8.20.13.3.. 25.9.16.8.. 13.3..

9.. 25.9.11.11.. 16.18.16.17.16..

8.9.13.. 16.8.3.. 17.7.13.3..

7.17.. 6.3.2.21.18.3..

Monday 11

(empty)

Tuesday 12

It is not

Jimmy doesn’t think of me any more or he’d stay at home.

I’m all alone. J did not come home tonight. I slept all alone.

Wednesday 13

Today I wrote what I should have written here I wrote for last Wed. I’m always making a mistake. Will is reading Edna Browning. I wrote a letter to H. Well I must go to bed. I suppose to pass another lonely night with out my Jimmy.

(Empty until…)

Thursday 28

I went over town this PM. Anna Winchell staid with Pearl. In the evening she took to vomiting + vomited all night. J didn’t come home.

Friday 29

I sent for Dr. Beal. Pearl vomited all day. Dr. come about 2 oclock.

J come home this evening.

Saturday 30

Dr. come twice today. We got some ice for her. She has the Intermittent fever. J come home 5 oclock this morning.

Sunday 31

We slept late. J didn’t get up till noon. Dr came to see Pearl. She rested good last night.

November 

Monday 1

We didn’t get up till 8

Tuesday 2

J wen

Wednesday 3

J went off this morning.

J didn’t come home tonight + he promised he would not be out another night after election

Thursday 4

John Dunklee + his father-in-law come this morning to see Jim but he wasn’t here so they went away again. Frank Leach + Lillie* came about 4:30 + staid a little while. John D + his father came up this eve + staid all night. J come home a little after 10.

Friday 5

All the men started off + staid all night too.

Saturday 6

First snow. Snowed just enough to cover the ground.

The men came back about 2 oclock. I got dinner then J + his father went home about 5. J come home this evening + brought me a plush cloak + some fruit + Pearl a rocking chair.

Sunday 7

J went off but come back about 6:30

Monday 8

Washed. Was a beautiful day.

Katie came down tonight + staid all night.

Jim didn’t come home at all tonight.

(Empty until…)

Sunday 14

J took 5.00 from me.

Monday 15

J took $5.00 from my box

Tuesday 16

Snowed tonight

Wednesday 17

Snow all day + drifted terribly.

Thursday 18

Jim was out till 2 oclock

Friday 19

I gave J $10.00 to get me some things but I know he won’t get a single thing for me. Here it is nearly 8 oclock + he hasn’t come yet. I can go to bed + can come home + freeze me to death + still he says he is agoing to quit this staying out nights.

Saturday 20

I went over town on the buss. Went down to Manhenners* + did some shopping then went to Dickinsons + met Jim. He had a horse + cutter. He took me up on 7th st + I got a hat. He bought a cutter for himself today. He got home about 2.

Sunday 21

Very pleasant. Jim had the horse + cutter all day. I had to carry in snow all day for washing. J took 5 dollars.

Monday 22

Rained all day

Tuesday 23

I washed

(Empty until…)

Sunday 28

Snowed all day. Drifted. J come home 2 oclock

Monday 29

I washed. 4° below. J come home about 12 oclock. I got up 20 min past 6 + built the fire.

Tuesday 30

Snowed all day. No wind. I ironed some.

(Empty until…)

December

Friday 17

Jim didn’t get home till 4 oclock this morning.

(Empty until…)

Tuesday 21

I ironed this forenoon. About 4 oclock Mother came in a Hansom

J come up in the evening.

Wednesday 22

I baked pies + was busy in the kitchen all day.

J brought me some lovely tidies Mrs. McFall made. He gave them to me for christmas present.

Thursday 23

Ironed the rest of the clothes. J got up about 10:30. I made him take me over town. We went to Dickinsons + Manheimers. I stopped in PJ Schuels* store. Freddie was in. Ee went around the ice palace + to the drine* museum. Stopped at Con’s* store. Got home about 6 oclock.

Friday 24

J had the horse all day so I couldn’t go over town.

J come home tonight about 12 or 1 oclock with a hurt foot.

Saturday 25

We had no christmas. J brought a turkey. Mother went over to meeting 9 oclock. I hitched up the horse + J + Roy went down to the saloon. Belle brought Roy back about 3 oclock. He had some candy + figs given him. Mother come about 4. We had dinner at 4:30 + Belle came up for supper about 6 or 7 oclock.

Sunday 26

Very cold 22 or 24 below.

Mother + I staid at home all day

Monday 27

I washed. Mother washed all the colored clothes. Billie Bradly brought the horse home at night + when he come to take off his boots he found he was sick. They sent for the Dr. He came + was cut up bandages for the horses legs. J came at 9. I got supper. We sat up till 12 oclock.

Tuesday 28

Mother started for Trimbelle at 9 this morning.

J come home 12 oclock tonight.

Wednesday 29

Snowed last night + today. I ironed all the clothes but J’s shirt + baked bread.

(Empty until…)

Memoranda.

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 21 20 19 18

17 16 15 26 25 24 23 22

Memoranda 

Writing desk, diary, pen holder.

10 yds sheeting

2 yds blchd for pillow case

1 yd red flannel for P pants